Concomitant administration of glucocorticoid receptor modulators and CYP3A inhibitors

ABSTRACT

Subjects treated with CYP3A inhibitors or steroidogenesis inhibitors may suffer from toxicity or other serious adverse reactions; concomitant administration of other drugs would be expected to increase the risk of such toxicity and adverse reactions. Applicant has surprisingly found that GRAs may be administered to subjects receiving CYP3A inhibitors or steroidogenesis inhibitors such as ketoconazole without increasing risk adverse reactions; for example, Applicant has found that mifepristone may be concomitantly administered with ketoconazole (a CYP3A inhibitor and a steroidogenesis inhibitor), providing safe concomitant administration of the GRA and ketoconazole. In embodiments, the GRA dose may be reduced.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/465,772, filed Mar. 1, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/466,867, filed Mar. 3, 2017, the entire contents of both of which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Steroid molecules, such as steroid hormones, play an important role in bodily functions and in bodily responses to infectious and other diseases, and to the environment. Many steroid molecules are synthesized in the body, or are produced from molecules consumed in the diet. Steroid molecules which act as hormones in the body include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol. Some steroid molecules have medicinal effects. Inhibition of steroid synthesis or metabolism can be useful in the treatment of some disorders.

Cortisol, a steroid molecule, plays an important role in many bodily functions. Cortisol exerts effects by binding to cortisol receptors, which are present in most tissues in the body. However, dysregulation of cortisol may have adverse effects on a subject. For example, Cushing's syndrome, caused by excess levels of cortisol, is characterized by symptoms including elevated blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, increased weight, increased mid-section perimeter, other pre-diabetic symptom, a “moon-face” facial appearance, immune suppression, thin skin, acne, depression, hirsutism, and other symptoms. Clinical manifestations of Cushing's syndrome include abnormalities in glucose control, requirement for anti-diabetic medication, abnormalities in insulin level, abnormal psychiatric symptoms, cushingoid appearance, acne, hirsutism, and increased or excessive body weight, and other symptoms.

One effective treatment of cortisol dysregulation is to block the binding of cortisol to cortisol receptors, or to block the effect of cortisol binding to cortisol receptors. Mifepristone binds to cortisol receptors, and acts to block such binding and to block the effect of cortisol on tissues. Mifepristone is 11β-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-17β-hydroxy-17α-(1-propynyl)-estra-4,9-dien-3-one).

Another effective treatment of cortisol dysregulation is to reduce the synthesis of cortisol, e.g., by reducing or blocking steroid synthesis. A “steroidogenesis inhibitor” is a compound which reduces or blocks the synthesis of steroid molecules (including, e.g., cortisol) when administered to a subject. Steroidogenesis inhibitors include, for example, ketoconazole, metyrapone, etomidate, and other drugs.

Many enzymes are involved in steroid synthesis and in steroid metabolism, including cytochrome P450 enzymes, encoded by CYP genes. Inhibiting steroid synthesis may lower the levels of steroids, including, e.g., cortisol, in the blood. For example, CYP3A enzymes play important roles in the synthesis of steroid hormones such as cortisol.

However, many drugs inhibit the levels or actions of CYP3A gene products (termed “inhibit CYP3A”). The following drugs inhibit CYP3A: ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, cimetidine, nefazodone, ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, atazanavir, amprenavir, fosamprenavir, boceprevir, clarithromycin, conivaptan, lopinavir, posaconazole, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, and voriconazole, among many drugs which inhibit CYP3A. For example, the following drugs strongly inhibit CYP3A (i.e., increase AUC (area under the concentration-time curve) by 10-fold or greater of sensitive index substrates), either alone or in combination with other drugs: boceprevir, cobicistat, conivaptan, danoprevir and ritonavir, elvitegravir and ritonavir, indinavir, ritonavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir, paritaprevir, ombitasvir, dasabuvir, posaconazole, saquinavir, telaprevir, tipranavir, troleandomycin, and voriconazole.

Ketoconazole is an exemplary and an important steroidogenesis inhibitor and is a strong CYP3A inhibitor. Ketoconazole (chemical name: 1-acetyl-4-[4-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-[(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-methyl]-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl]methoxy]phenyl]piperazine) is administered for the treatment of fungal infections; it also affects steroid metabolism by inhibiting steroidogenesis, and has anti-glucocorticoid and anti-androgen effects due to its interference with enzymatic conversion of cholesterol to hormones such as cortisol and testosterone. Ketoconazole has effects on liver enzymes and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, among other effects (Fleseriu and Castinetti, Pituitary 19:643-653 (2016)).

Ketoconazole inhibits steroid synthesis and is thus useful in the treatment Cushing's syndrome; in the treatment of prostate cancer and other androgen-sensitive cancers; to reduce estrogen or progesterone production (e.g., in patients with hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer); and in other treatments.

A drug such as ketoconazole is typically metabolized and excreted by a subject over time following administration. An effective dose is determined based on the expected amounts of metabolism and excretion of the drug. Changes in the amounts or rates of metabolism and/or excretion of a drug will affect the dose required, and may make an otherwise safe dose, if metabolism or excretion changes, into either a less, or ineffective dose, or a more effective or even toxic dose.

However, although sometimes clinically useful, ketoconazole may have adverse, including seriously toxic, effects (Fleseriu and Castinetti, Pituitary 19:643-653 (2016)). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a Drug Safety Communication (Jul. 26, 2013 Safety Announcement regarding Nizoral® (ketoconazole)) warning of potentially fatal liver damage associated with oral ketoconazole treatment and warning of the risk of adrenal insufficiency, also a potentially fatal disorder. The Safety Announcement warned: “Nizoral tablets can cause liver injury, which may potentially result in liver transplantation or death.” The Safety Announcement further stated: “Nizoral tablets may interact with other drugs a patient is taking and can result in serious and potentially life-threatening outcomes, such as heart rhythm problems.” Thus, ketoconazole can be quite toxic if administered in excessive amounts, or if it is administered to sensitive individuals, particularly when administered systemically (as opposed, e.g., to topically). This toxicity can lead to liver damage (sometimes requiring liver transplantation). Other CYP3A inhibitors, including, e.g., itraconazole, ritonavir, and other CYP3A inhibitors as discussed herein, may have similar effects and may require similar warnings.

The simultaneous, or nearly simultaneous (e.g., concomitant) presence of two drugs in a subject may alter the effects of one or the other, or both, drugs. Such alterations are termed drug-drug interactions. For example, the required dose of a drug is often strongly affected by taking the amount and rate of its degradation in, and elimination from, the body (e.g., by liver or kidney action). However, the presence of a second drug in the body, which is also being acted upon by the liver and kidney, can have significant effects on the amount and rate of degradation of the first drug, and can increase the amount of the first drug that remains in the body at a given time beyond the amount that would have been present at that time in the absence of the second drug. Thus, the presence of a second drug can often increase the effective dose of the first drug. Where the first drug has toxic side effects, such an increase in effective dose of the first drug may lead to dangerous toxicity that would not have been expected were the second drug not present.

Concomitant administration of different drugs often leads to adverse effects since the metabolism and/or excretion of each drug may reduce or interfere with the metabolism and/or excretion of the other drug(s), thus increasing the effective concentrations of those drugs as compared to the effective concentrations of those drugs when administered alone. Thus, concomitant administration of drugs is often expected to increase the risk of toxic effects of one or both of the co-administered drugs. Some drugs, such as ketoconazole, present risk of liver damage (including severe cases including liver failure and even requiring liver transplants) and other toxic effects when administered alone; the risk of such toxic effects is believed to be increased when other drugs are concomitantly administered. Where a drug, such as ketoconazole, is known to present a high risk of toxic effects, clinicians will typically avoid its concomitant administration with other drugs.

However, patients often require treatment with multiple drugs, so that the potential toxicity of drugs such as ketoconazole present disadvantages that can have deleterious consequences for the patient who requires ketoconazole treatment, or may require foregoing the use of ketoconazole or of some other drug which may have otherwise been required for successful treatment.

Accordingly, improved methods of treatment allowing the administration of other drugs along with CYP3A inhibitors (such as, e.g., ketoconazole) and along with steroidogenesis inhibitors (such as, e.g., ketoconazole) are desired.

SUMMARY

Applicant discloses herein that CYP3A inhibitors such as, e.g., ketoconazole, may be concomitantly administered with glucocorticoid receptor modulators (GRMs) such as the GR antagonik (GRA) mifepristone. Such concomitant administration of a CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole and a GRM such as mifepristone is believed to be safe for the subject, and to provide the therapeutic benefits of both drugs to the subject, and may allow the reduction in the amount of a GRM, or of a CYP3A inhibitor, administered to the subject; such reduction may reduce the risk of toxic effects of the CYP3A inhibitor concomitantly administered with the GRM. In embodiments, the CYP3A inhibitor is a strong CYP3A inhibitor. Such concomitant administration of a CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole and a GRM such as mifepristone is believed to be safe for the subject, and to provide the therapeutic benefits of both drugs to the subject, may allow the reduction in the amount of GRM administered to the subject, and may allow the reduction in the amount of a CYP3A inhibitor administered to the subject; such reductions may improve treatment of the patient and may reduce the risk of toxic effects of the CYP3A inhibitor.

Applicant discloses herein that steroidogenesis inhibitors may be concomitantly administered with glucocorticoid receptor modulators (GRMs) such as the GR antagonist (GRA) mifepristone. Such concomitant administration of a steroidogenesis inhibitor and a GRM such as mifepristone is believed to be safe for the subject, and to provide the therapeutic benefits of both drugs to the subject, and may allow concomitant administration of a GRA and a steroidogenesis inhibitor, may allow the reduction of the amount of GRM administered to the subject, or may allow the reduction in the amount of a steroidogenesis inhibitor administered to the subject; such reductions may reduce the risk of toxic effects of the steroidogenesis inhibitor. Such concomitant administration of a steroidogenesis inhibitor and a GRM such as mifepristone is believed to be safe for the subject, and to provide the therapeutic benefits of both drugs to the subject, and may allow the reduction in the amount of GRM or of a steroidogenesis inhibitor administered to the subject; such reduction may improve treatment of the subject and may reduce the risk of toxic effects of the steroidogenesis inhibitor.

For example, Applicant has surprisingly discovered that mifepristone may be administered to patients concomitantly receiving ketoconazole. For example ketoconazole may be administered to patients previously, or concomitantly, also receiving mifepristone so that the patient concomitantly receives ketoconazole and mifepristone. Such concomitant administration of ketoconazole and mifepristone is typically safe for the patient, provides the therapeutic benefits of both drugs to the patient, and may allow the reduction in the amount of mifepristone administered to the subject; such reduction may provide an effective dose of mifepristone that is a lower dose, yet still provides similar plasma mifepristone levels as, and may be as effective as, the dose of mifepristone administered in the absence of ketoconazole. Such concomitant administration of ketoconazole and mifepristone provides the therapeutic benefits of both drugs to the patient, may allow a reduction in the amount of mifepristone administered to the patient, and may allow the reduction in the amount of ketoconazole administered to the patient; such reduction may reduce the risk of toxic effects of ketoconazole, and may improve the treatment of the patient.

Applicant's surprising discovery is believed to apply to patients suffering from a disease or disorder and receiving a CYP3A inhibitor, including a strong CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole; such patients suffering from a disease or disorder may be safely administered a GRM, such as mifepristone, concomitantly with the administration of a CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole. Such concomitant administration is believed to be safe for the patient. For example, concomitant administration of ketoconazole and mifepristone surprisingly does not increase the risk of ketoconazole toxicity in the patient, and is believed to be safe for the patient. In particular, Applicant discloses herein that Cushing's syndrome patients receiving ketoconazole may be safely administered mifepristone concomitantly with the administration of ketoconazole. Such concomitant administration of ketoconazole and mifepristone to a patient suffering from Cushing's syndrome is believed to be safe for the patient suffering from Cushing's syndrome, which is characterized by hypercortisolism. Patients suffering from Cushing's syndrome, such as those suffering from endogenous Cushing's syndrome, may suffer hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism. Concomitant administration of a GRA (such as, e.g., mifepristone) and a CYP3A inhibitor (such as, e.g., ketoconazole) as disclosed herein is believed to be safe, and to be suitable for controlling hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in a patient with endogenous Cushing's syndrome.

In embodiments, a method of treating a patient with Cushing's syndrome, the patient currently taking a GRA at an original dosage, comprises reducing the amount of GRA from said original dosage to an adjusted dosage that is less than the original dosage when the patient is receiving concomitant administration of a CYP3A inhibitor. In embodiments, a method of controlling hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in a patient with endogenous Cushing's syndrome, the patient currently taking a GRA at an original dosage, comprises reducing the amount of GRA from said original dosage to an adjusted dosage that is less than the original dosage when the patient is receiving concomitant administration of a CYP3A inhibitor. In embodiments of such methods, the adjusted dosage is less than the original dosage by at least an amount selected from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 33^(1/3)%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 66^(2/3)%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, and 90% of the original dosage. In embodiments, the adjusted dosage is less than the original dosage by at least 10% of the original dosage. In embodiments, the adjusted dosage is less than the original dosage by at least 25% of the original dosage. In embodiments, the adjusted dosage is less than the original dosage by at least 33^(1/3)% of the original dosage. In embodiments, the adjusted dosage is less than the original dosage by at least 50% of the original dosage.

In embodiments, where a GRM such as mifepristone would be prescribed at a first GRM dose, the amount of the GRM (such as mifepristone) administered, when co-administered with a steroidogenesis inhibitor or CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole, may be reduced to a reduced GRM dose that has a smaller amount of GRM as compared to the first GRM dose yet provide effective treatment at the reduced GRM dose co-administered with a steroidogenesis inhibitor such as ketoconazole. In embodiments, the clinical status of a subject receiving a reduced GRM dose concomitantly with a steroidogenesis inhibitor may be monitored for clinical response, e.g., for clinical response to the GRM (such as mifepristone). Monitoring for clinical response may include monitoring for clinical effect of the GRM, including clinical efficacy of the GRM; for clinical effect of a steroidogenesis inhibitor of CYP3A inhibitor; for possible adverse reaction to a steroidogenesis inhibitor or CYP3A inhibitor, or the use of a steroidogenesis inhibitor or CYP3A inhibitor in combination with the GRM; for possible side-effects of a steroidogenesis inhibitor or CYP3A inhibitor; for possible side-effects of the use of a steroidogenesis inhibitor or CYP3A inhibitor in combination with the GRM; or combinations thereof.

In embodiments, the reduced GRM dose may be increased as necessary and as safe for the patient according to such monitoring of the patient. In embodiments, the reduced GRM dose may be titrated upwards as necessary and as safe for the subject according to such monitoring of the patient in order to achieve effective treatment of Cushing's syndrome while remaining safe for the patient with regard to possible adverse effects of the concomitant administration of the GRM and the CYP3A inhibitor, or of the concomitant administration of the GRM and the steroidogenesis inhibitor.

In embodiments, where a GRM such as mifepristone would be prescribed at a first GRM dose, the amount of the GRM (such as mifepristone) administered, when co-administered with a CYP3A inhibitor, including a strong CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole, may be reduced to a reduced GRM dose that has a smaller amount of GRM as compared to the first GRM dose yet provide effective treatment at the reduced GRM dose co-administered with a CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole. In embodiments, the clinical status of a patient receiving a reduced GRM dose concomitantly with a CYP3A inhibitor may be monitored, e.g., for clinical effect of the GRM, for clinical effect of the CYP3A inhibitor, for possible adverse reaction to the CYP3A inhibitor or its use in combination with the GRM, for possible side-effects of the CYP3A inhibitor or its use in combination with the GRM, or combinations thereof. In embodiments, the reduced GRM dose may be increased as necessary and as safe for the patient according to such monitoring of the patient. In embodiments, the reduced GRM dose may be titrated upwards as necessary and as safe for the patient according to such monitoring of the patient in order to achieve effective treatment of Cushing's syndrome while remaining safe for the patient with regard to possible adverse effects of the concomitant administration of the GRM and the CYP3A inhibitor.

Accordingly, Applicant discloses herein that a steroidogenesis inhibitor may be administered to patients concomitantly receiving administration of a GRM. Accordingly, Applicant discloses herein that a CYP3A inhibitor may be administered to patients concomitantly receiving administration of a GRM. For example, Applicant discloses herein that ketoconazole, a steroidogenesis inhibitor and a CYP3A inhibitor, may be administered to patients suffering from a disease or disorder, such as, e.g., Cushing's syndrome, who are concomitantly receiving administration of a GRM such as mifepristone. Such concomitant administration of both a GRA (such as mifepristone) and a CYP3A inhibitor (such as ketoconazole) may be administered to a patient suffering from endogenous Cushing's syndrome to control hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in the patient.

Accordingly, Applicant discloses herein that GRMs may be administered to subjects previously, or concomitantly, also receiving administration of a steroidogenesis inhibitor or a CYP3A inhibitor. For example, Applicant discloses herein that GRMs may be administered to subjects suffering from a disease or disorder, such as, e.g., Cushing's syndrome, who previously, or are concomitantly, also receiving administration of a steroidogenesis inhibitor or a CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole. Applicant discloses methods for concomitant administration of a GRM and a steroidogenesis or CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole useful for treating a subject in need of such administration. Subjects in need of such administration include subjects suffering from a disease or disorder, and include subjects suffering from Cushing's syndrome. Applicant further discloses that such administration of a GRM and a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole is typically safe for the subject, and provides the therapeutic benefits of both drugs to the subject. In embodiments, such concomitant administration of a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole and a GRM may allow the reduction in the amount of GRM, or of a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole, that is administered to the subject; such reductions may reduce the risk of toxic effects of a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole, such as, e.g., reduce the risk of liver damage to the subject. The GRM may be, e.g., mifepristone.

Applicant has surprisingly discovered that a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole may be concomitantly administered with GRMs, such as GRAs, so that concomitant administration of a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole and a GRA for example may provide safe and effective treatment of a patient in need of treatment. A patient receiving concomitant administration of a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole and a GRA may be, for example, a patient in need of treatment for Cushing's syndrome (including Cushing's Disease), breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, or other hormone-sensitive cancer. In embodiments, such a patient in need of treatment may receive concomitant administration of a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole and a GRA, such as mifepristone. In embodiments, such a patient in need of treatment may receive concomitant administration of ketoconazole and mifepristone.

The methods, compositions, and kits disclosed herein are suitable for use in treating patients suffering from Cushing's syndrome (including Cushing's Disease); or from prostate cancer and other androgen-sensitive cancers; or from breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or other hormone-sensitive cancer (e.g., cancer sensitive to estrogen or progesterone); and are suitable for use in treating subjects suffering from other diseases, disorders, or syndromes.

In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, a patient currently receiving a GRM, such as mifepristone, is also concomitantly administered a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole. In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, a patient currently receiving a GRM, such as mifepristone, as treatment for a condition characterized by excess steroid levels, or as treatment of a condition that is treated by reducing steroid levels or by reducing steroid effects, is also concomitantly administered a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole, whereby the patient is treated for that condition. In embodiments, the condition is characterized by excessive cortisol levels. In embodiments, the condition is hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism, e.g., in a patient suffering from endogenous Cushing's syndrome. In embodiments, the condition is cancer, and may be a hormone-sensitive cancer. In embodiments, the hormone sensitive cancer is prostate cancer, breast cancer, or ovarian cancer.

In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, a patient currently receiving a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole is also concomitantly administered a GRM. In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, a patient currently receiving a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole as treatment for a condition characterized by excess steroid levels, or as treatment of a condition that is treated by reducing steroid levels or by reducing steroid effects, is also concomitantly administered a GRM, whereby the patient is treated for that condition. In embodiments, the condition is characterized by excessive cortisol levels. In embodiments, the condition is hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism, e.g., in a patient suffering from endogenous Cushing's syndrome. In embodiments, the condition is hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism, e.g., in a patient suffering from endogenous Cushing's syndrome. In embodiments, the condition is cancer, and may be a hormone-sensitive cancer. In embodiments, the hormone sensitive cancer is prostate cancer, breast cancer, or ovarian cancer.

Thus, in embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, a patient in need of treatment for a condition is concomitantly administered both a GRM (such as mifepristone) and a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor (such as ketoconazole), whereby the patient is treated for that condition. In embodiments, the condition is characterized by excessive cortisol levels. In embodiments, the condition is hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism, e.g., in a patient suffering from endogenous Cushing's syndrome. In embodiments, the condition is cancer, and may be a hormone-sensitive cancer. In embodiments, the hormone sensitive cancer is prostate cancer, breast cancer, or ovarian cancer.

In embodiments, the amount of GRM administered concomitantly with a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor is the same amount, or substantially the same amount, of GRM previously administered to the patient prior to concomitant administration of a GRM and a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor. In embodiments, the amount of GRM administered concomitantly with a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor is less than the amount of GRM previously administered to the subject prior to concomitant administration of a GRM and a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor. In embodiments, administration of a reduced amount of GRM administered concomitantly with a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor is an effective amount of GRM; in embodiments, the reduced amount of GRM administered concomitantly with a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor is as effective as the amount of GRM previously administered to the subject prior to concomitant administration of a GRM and a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor. The GRM may be mifepristone. The steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor may be ketoconazole.

In embodiments, the amount of steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor administered concomitantly with the GRM is the same amount, or substantially the same amount, of steroidogenesis or CYP3A inhibitor previously administered to the subject prior to concomitant administration of a GRM and a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor. In embodiments, the amount of steroidogenesis or CYP3A inhibitor administered concomitantly with the GRM is less than the amount of steroidogenesis or CYP3A inhibitor previously administered to the subject prior to concomitant administration of a GRM and a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor. In embodiments, administration of a reduced amount, of steroidogenesis or CYP3A inhibitor administered concomitantly with a GRM is an effective amount of steroidogenesis or CYP3A inhibitor; in embodiments, the reduced amount of steroidogenesis or CYP3A inhibitor administered concomitantly with a GRM is as effective as the amount of steroidogenesis or CYP3A inhibitor previously administered to the subject prior to concomitant administration of a GRM and a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor. The GRM may be mifepristone. The steroidogenesis or CYP3A inhibitor may be ketoconazole.

Concomitant administration of a GRM and steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor may be administration of a GRM followed within a short time by administration of a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor. In embodiments, concomitant administration of a GRM and a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor may be administration of mifepristone followed within a short time by administration of ketoconazole. Concomitant administration of a GRM and a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor may be administration of a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor followed within a short time by administration of a GRM. In embodiments, concomitant administration of a GRM and a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor may be administration of ketoconazole followed within a short time by administration of mifepristone. Concomitant administration of a GRM and a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor may be simultaneous administration of a GRM and a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor. In embodiments, concomitant administration of a GRM and a steroidogenesis or a CYP3A inhibitor may be simultaneous administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole.

In embodiments, the GRM is a steroidal GRM, such as, e.g., mifepristone. In embodiments, the GRM is a non-steroidal GRM. In embodiments, the GRM is a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA). In embodiments, the GRA is a steroidal GRA. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone. In embodiments, the GRA is a non-steroidal GRA. In embodiments, the GRA is a non-steroidal GRA selected from a GRA having a cyclohexyl-pyrimidine backbone, GRA having a fused azadecalin backbone, a GRA having a heteroaryl ketone fused azadecalin backbone, and a GRA having an octahydro fused azadecalin backbone.

In embodiments, a patient is concomitantly administered a GRM and ketoconazole; in embodiments, the GRM is mifepristone. In embodiments, concomitant administration comprises simultaneous administration of a GRM and ketoconazole to a patient, where the GRM is mifepristone. In embodiments, the amount of ketoconazole administered concomitantly with the mifepristone is the same amount, or substantially the same amount, of ketoconazole previously administered to the subject prior to concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole. In embodiments, the amount of ketoconazole administered concomitantly with the mifepristone is less than the amount of ketoconazole previously administered to the subject prior to concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole.

Accordingly, in embodiments, Applicant discloses herein a method for treating a patient who is suffering from Cushing's syndrome or a condition associated with Cushing's syndrome, said patient receiving a first dose of a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA), said method comprising: concomitantly administering to the patient a dose of a CYP3A inhibitor and a reduced dose of said GRA, wherein said reduced GRA dose consists of a GRA dose that is less than the first GRA dose, whereby the patient is treated for Cushing's syndrome or a condition associated with Cushing's syndrome by concomitant administration of said CYP3A inhibitor and a reduced dose said GRA. Conditions associated with Cushing's syndrome include, without limitation, hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism, e.g., hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in a patient suffering from endogenous Cushing' syndrome. Conditions associated with Cushing's syndrome also include, without limitation, hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in an adult Cushing's syndrome patient who has type 2 diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance. Conditions associated with Cushing's syndrome further include, without limitation, hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in an adult Cushing's syndrome patient who has a) type 2 diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance, and b) has failed surgery or is not a candidate for surgery.

In embodiments, the dosage of said reduced GRA dose is less than the dosage of said first GRA dose by at least an amount selected from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 33^(1/3)%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 66^(2/3)%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, and 90% of the first GRA dose. In embodiments, the dosage of said reduced GRA dose is less than the dosage of said first GRA dose by about 300 milligrams (mg) of said GRA. In embodiments, the dosage amount of said first GRA dose is 600 mg or higher of said GRA. In embodiments, said reduced GRA dose is a GRA dose selected from the group of GRA doses consisting of about 1500 milligrams (mg) GRA, about 1200 mg GRA, about 900 mg GRA, and about 600 mg GRA. In embodiments, said reduced GRA dose is 900 mg of the GRA. In embodiments, said reduced GRA dose is 600 mg of the GRA. In embodiments, the reduced GRA dose is a daily GRA dose. In embodiments, the methods further comprise titrating upwards the dosage of the reduced GRA dose. In embodiments, such titrating upwards comprises increasing the dosage of the reduced GRA dose in increments of 300 milligrams (mg) of GRA. In embodiments, the interval of time between upward titration of a reduced dose, or of an upwardly titrated reduced dose, and a subsequent upward titration of a dosage of the reduced dose of mifepristone is selected from one week, two weeks, three weeks, and four weeks. In embodiments, the methods include monitoring the patient for clinical response to the GRA. In embodiments, such titrating upwards follows a determination that said reduced GRA dose is associated with a decrease in clinical response to the GRA. In embodiments, monitoring the patient for clinical response to the GRA comprises monitoring the patient for glucose control, anti-diabetic medication requirement, insulin level, psychiatric symptoms, cushingoid appearance, acne, hirsutism, body weight, or combinations thereof. In embodiments, such titrating upwards is capped at a dosage level of 900 milligrams per day. In embodiments, such titrating upwards is capped at a dosage level of 600 milligrams per day. In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, the reduced GRA dose is a daily dose of 900 mg mifepristone. In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, the reduced GRA dose is a daily dose of 600 mg mifepristone.

Embodiments of the methods disclosed herein are directed to treating a patient suffering from Cushing's syndrome or a condition associated with Cushing's syndrome. In embodiments, the patient suffering from Cushing's syndrome or a condition associated with Cushing's syndrome is a patient suffering from a condition associated with endogenous Cushing's syndrome. In embodiments, treating a patient who is suffering from Cushing's syndrome or a condition associated with Cushing's syndrome comprises treating a patient who is suffering from hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism. In embodiments, treating patient who is suffering from Cushing's syndrome or a condition associated with Cushing's syndrome comprises treating hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in a Cushing's syndrome patient having type 2 diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance. In embodiments, treating a patient who is suffering from Cushing's syndrome or a condition associated with Cushing's syndrome comprises treating hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in a Cushing's syndrome patient, said patient a) having type 2 diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance, and b) having failed surgery or is not a candidate for surgery. In embodiments, treating a patient who is suffering from Cushing's syndrome or a condition associated with Cushing's syndrome comprises administering mifepristone to control hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in an adult Cushing's syndrome patient who has a) type 2 diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance, and b) has failed surgery or is not a candidate for surgery.

In embodiments, Applicant discloses herein a method for treating a patient who is suffering from Cushing's syndrome or a condition associated with Cushing's syndrome, said patient receiving a first dose of a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA), said method comprising: concomitantly administering to the patient a dose of said CYP3A inhibitor and a first dose of a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA), whereby the patient is treated for Cushing's syndrome or a condition associated with Cushing's syndrome by concomitant administration of said CYP3A inhibitor and said GRA. In embodiments, the first GRA dose is selected from a GRA dose no greater than 900 milligrams (mg) per day of the GRA, and no greater than 600 mg per day of the GRA. In embodiments, the patient had been administered a dose of the CYP3A inhibitor prior to said administering of said first GRA dose. In embodiments, said concomitant administration of the CYP3A inhibitor and said GRA comprises administration of said first GRA dose to a patient having detectable levels of said CYP3A inhibitor, wherein said patient had been administered a dose of the CYP3A inhibitor prior to said administration of said first GRA dose. In embodiments, methods further comprise titrating upwards the dosage of a subsequent GRA dose, wherein the dosage of said subsequent GRA dose is a greater amount of GRA than the amount of GRA of the first GRA dose. In embodiments, such titrating upwards comprises increasing the dosage of the subsequent GRA dose in increments of 300 milligrams (mg) of GRA. In embodiments, the interval of time between upward titration of a subsequent GRA dose, or of an upwardly titrated subsequent GRA dose, and a subsequent upward titration of the dosage of the subsequent GRA dose is selected from one week, two weeks, three weeks, and four weeks.

In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, the CYP3A inhibitor is a strong CYP3A inhibitor selected from the group consisting of ketoconazole, itraconazole, nefazodone, ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, atazanavir, amprenavir and fosamprenavir, clarithromycin, conivaptan, lopinavir/ritonavir, posaconazole, saquinavir, telithromycin, and voriconazole. In embodiments, the CYP3A inhibitor is ketoconazole.

In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, the GRA is mifepristone.

The methods disclosed herein provide advantages including expanded treatment options for patients suffering from conditions including Cushing's syndrome, Cushing's Disease, prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and other conditions.

The methods disclosed herein provide advantages including improved treatments for patients suffering from conditions including Cushing's syndrome, Cushing's Disease, prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and other conditions, where such improved treatments may include the ability to alter the amount of a GRM, such mifepristone, administered to the patient by administering a GRM such as mifepristone concomitantly with ketoconazole. In embodiments, such improved treatments include the ability to reduce the amount of a GRM, such as mifepristone, administered to a subject.

The methods disclosed herein provide advantages including improved treatments for patients suffering from conditions including Cushing's syndrome, Cushing's Disease, prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and other conditions, where such improved treatments may include the ability to alter the amount of ketoconazole administered to the patient by administering a GRM such as mifepristone concomitantly with ketoconazole. In embodiments, such improved treatments include the ability to reduce the amount of ketoconazole administered to a subject and thus to reduce risk of toxic effects of the ketoconazole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the mean and standard deviation of mifepristone and its metabolites RU42633, RU42698, and RU42848 measured in healthy male volunteers prior to administration of mifepristone on days one through seventeen. Ketoconazole was also administered on days thirteen-seventeen.

FIG. 2 shows the plasma concentration profile of mifepristone measured in healthy male volunteers on day twelve (before administration of ketoconazole) and on day seventeen (the fifth day of ketoconazole administration).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Ketoconazole strongly inhibits corticosteroid synthesis; thus, ketoconazole strongly reduces cortisol levels in subjects administered ketoconazole. However, there is concern over its use, for example, due to potential hepatoxicity (see, e.g., Castinetti et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab 99(5):1623-1630 (2014)).

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) definition strong CYP3A inhibitors are expected to increase the AUC of other drugs by greater than five-fold. Ketoconazole is identified by the FDA as a strong CYP3A inhibitor (See FDA web posting: Drug Development and Drug Interactions: Table of Substrates, Inhibitors and Inducers).

Surprisingly, as disclosed herein, concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole causes only a small increase in the plasma levels of mifepristone, and does not cause the large increases that would have been expected for such concomitant administration.

Applicant has surprisingly found that concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole causes only a small increase in the AUC and in the Cmax of mifepristone in subjects receiving mifepristone alone for twelve days, and then administered both mifepristone and ketoconazole concomitantly. The Cmax of mifepristone administered concomitantly with ketoconazole is increased by less than two-fold (a mere 28% increase in mifepristone Cmax) and the AUC of mifepristone administered concomitantly with ketoconazole is increased by less than two-fold (a mere 38% increase in mifepristone AUC) in subjects receiving 600 mg mifepristone per day who then are given 400 mg ketoconazole (200 mg twice per day)).

Also surprisingly, as disclosed herein, concomitant administration of ketoconazole and mifepristone also caused smaller increases in ketoconazole levels than would be expected. The Cmax of ketoconazole administered concomitantly with mifepristone is increased by less than four-fold (365% increase in ketoconazole Cmax) and the AUC of ketoconazole administered concomitantly with mifepristone is increased by less than three-fold (253% increase in ketoconazole AUC) when comparing ketoconazole levels on the first day of concomitant administration of both drugs as compared to the ketoconazole levels in subjects on the fifth day of receiving 400 mg ketoconazole (200 mg twice per day) concomitantly with 600 mg mifepristone per day.

Ketoconazole is a strong inhibitor of steroidogenesis; thus it is believed that ketoconazole may serve as an examplar for other strong inhibitors of steroidogenesis and that these results indicate that mifepristone, and other glucocorticoid receptor modulators, including other glucocorticoid receptor antagonists, may be safely administered concomitantly with steroidogenesis inhibitors according to the methods disclosed herein.

Ketoconazole is a strong inhibitor of CYP3A enzymes; thus it is believed that ketoconazole may serve as an examplar for other strong inhibitors of CYP3A enzymes and that these results indicate that mifepristone, and other glucocorticoid receptor modulators, including other glucocorticoid receptor antagonists, may be safely administered concomitantly with CYP3A enzyme inhibitors according to the methods disclosed herein.

Applicant discloses herein methods for the safe concomitant administration of both a glucocorticoid receptor modulator (GRM) and steroidogenesis inhibitor to a subject. Applicant discloses herein the surmising finding that both a GRM such as mifepristone and a steroidogenesis inhibitor such as ketoconazole may be safely administered to a subject at the same, or nearly the same, time (i.e., the GRM and the steroidogenesis inhibitor may be concomitantly administered).

Applicant discloses herein methods for the safe concomitant administration of both a glucocorticoid receptor modulator (GRM) and CYP3A inhibitor to a subject. Applicant discloses herein the surprising finding that both a GRM such as mifepristone and a CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole may be safely administered to a subject at the same, or nearly the same, time (i.e., the GRM and the CYP3A may be concomitantly administered).

Applicant discloses herein the surprising finding that a subject receiving ketoconazole, which is a steroidogenesis inhibitor and is a CYP3A inhibitor, may also be safely administered an effective dose of mifepristone, which is a glucocorticoid receptor modulator (GRM), e.g., a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA). Applicant also discloses herein the surprising finding that a subject receiving mifepristone, which is a glucocorticoid receptor modulator (GRM), e.g., a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA), may also be safely administered ketoconazole, which is a steroidogenesis inhibitor and is a CYP3A inhibitor.

In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, a subject receiving a GRM (such as, e.g., a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA) such as mifepristone) may be safely administered an effective dose of a steroidogenesis inhibitor such as ketoconazole. In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, a subject may be safely administered ketoconazole and a reduced dose of a GRM, where the reduced dose of a GRM is an effective dose of GRM that is a smaller GRM dose than the GRM dose administered in the absence of a steroidogenesis inhibitor such as ketoconazole. In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, a subject may be safely administered a GRM and a reduced dose of a steroidogenesis inhibitor such as ketoconazole, where the reduced dose of the steroidogenesis inhibitor is an effective dose of the steroidogenesis inhibitor that is a smaller dose than the a steroidogenesis inhibitor dose administered in the absence of the GRM. In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, a subject receiving a steroidogenesis inhibitor such as, e.g., ketoconazole, may be safely administered an effective dose of a GRM, such as, e.g., mifepristone. In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, a subject receiving a GRM, such as, e.g., mifepristone, may be safely administered an effective dose of a steroidogenesis inhibitor such as, e.g., ketoconazole.

These methods may be applied to subjects suffering from diseases or disorders as well as other subjects, including subjects suffering from Cushing's syndrome. Such concomitant administration of a steroidogenesis inhibitor such as ketoconazole with a GRM would have been expected to produce toxic side effects due to, e.g., an adverse effect on steroidogenesis inhibitor metabolism due to the added GRM (e.g., where the steroidogenesis inhibitor is ketoconazole, a previously safe ketoconazole dose would have been expected to be a toxic dose in the presence of added GRM (e.g., mifepristone)).

In particular, Applicant discloses herein that patients suffering from a disease or disorder and receiving ketoconazole may be safely administered mifepristone concomitantly with the administration of ketoconazole. Such concomitant administration of ketoconazole and mifepristone surprisingly does not increase the risk of toxicity in the patient, and is believed to be safe for the patient. In particular, Applicant discloses herein that Cushing's syndrome patients receiving ketoconazole may be safely administered mifepristone concomitantly with the administration of ketoconazole. Such concomitant administration of ketoconazole and mifepristone surprisingly does not increase the risk of toxicity in humans, and is believed to be safe for a patient suffering from Cushing's syndrome.

Thus, Applicant discloses herein surprising and useful methods for concomitant administration of a steroidogenesis inhibitor such as, e.g., ketoconazole, and a GRM such as, e.g., mifepristone, which provide the benefits of improved treatment without substantially increased risk of adverse treatment side-effects. For example, Applicant provides herein surprising and useful methods for concomitant administration of ketoconazole and mifepristone, which provide the benefits of both drugs without substantially increased risk of ketoconazole toxicity, which can have serious adverse effects on the liver.

Thus, contrary to the expectation that the presence of a GRM such as mifepristone along with a steroidogenesis inhibitor (e.g., ketoconazole) in a patient would increase the toxicity of the steroidogenesis inhibitor beyond that expected for such a dose of steroidogenesis inhibitor alone, Applicant has discovered that administering a) both a GRM (e.g., mifepristone) and a steroidogenesis inhibitor (e.g., ketoconazole) to a subject, or b) administering a GRM (e.g., mifepristone) to a subject who has recently been given a steroidogenesis inhibitor (e.g., ketoconazole), or c) administering a steroidogenesis inhibitor (e.g., ketoconazole) soon after GRM (e.g., mifepristone) administration to a subject, concomitant administration of a GRM and a steroidogenesis inhibitor does not increase the expected toxicity of the steroidogenesis inhibitor. In embodiments, concomitant administration of a steroidogenesis inhibitor and a GRM allows for administration of an effective dose of GRM that is a reduced GRM dose as compared to the GRM dose administered in the absence of the steroidogenesis inhibitor.

In embodiments, concomitant administration of ketoconazole and mifepristone allows for administration of an effective dose of mifepristone that is a reduced dose of mifepristone as compared to the mifepristone dose administered in the absence of ketoconazole. For example, Applicant has discovered that concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole makes it possible to reduce the dose of mifepristone while maintaining sufficient mifepristone levels for effective therapy for the patient. Such a reduction in mifepristone dose provides the benefit of reducing the amount of mifepristone administered to the subject. Embodiments in which a subject is concomitantly administered ketoconazole and mifepristone allow for mifepristone dose reduction (as compared to the mifepristone dose in the absence of ketoconazole) include, e.g., Cushing's syndrome and hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer, and other disorders susceptible of treatment by mifepristone.

In embodiments, the reduced dose of mifepristone administered to a subject also concomitantly receiving ketoconazole is a dose of mifepristone that is at least about 5% less than the original dose of mifepristone, where the original dose of mifepristone is the dose the subject had been, or would have been, administered in the absence of ketoconazole co-administration. In embodiments, the reduced dose of mifepristone is a dose of mifepristone that is at least about 10% less than the original dose of mifepristone; and may be a dose of mifepristone that is at least about 15%, or about 20%, or about 22%, or about 23%, or about 25%, or about 28%, or about 29%, or about 33%, or about 38%, or about 40%, or about 50%, or about 66%, or about 75% less than the original dose of mifepristone.

In embodiments, the reduced dose of mifepristone administered to a subject also concomitantly receiving ketoconazole is a dose of mifepristone that is 300 mg less mifepristone than the amount of the original dose of mifepristone. In embodiments, the reduced dose of mifepristone administered to a subject also concomitantly receiving ketoconazole is a dose of mifepristone that is an amount of mifepristone that is an integer multiple of 300 mg mifepristone less than the amount of the original dose of mifepristone. In embodiments, the integer of the integer multiple is selected from the integers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

In embodiments, the reduced dose of mifepristone administered to a subject also concomitantly receiving ketoconazole is a dose of mifepristone that is about 900 mg mifepristone; or is about 600 mg mifepristone; or is about 300 mg mifepristone. In embodiments, the reduced dose of mifepristone administered to a subject also concomitantly receiving ketoconazole is a dose of mifepristone that is about 300 mg mifepristone administered only every other day; or is about 300 mg mifepristone administered every third day; or is about 300 mg mifepristone administered every fourth day. For example, where the original dose of mifepristone is about 1500 mg per day, the reduced dose of mifepristone may be about 1200 mg of mifepristone administered every day; or may be about 900 mg of mifepristone administered every day; or may be about 600 mg of mifepristone administered every day; or may be about 300 mg of mifepristone administered every day. For example, where the original dose of mifepristone is about 1200 mg per day, the reduced dose of mifepristone may be about 900 mg of mifepristone administered every day; or may be about 600 mg of mifepristone administered every day; or may be about 300 mg of mifepristone administered every day. For example, where the original dose of mifepristone is about 900 mg per day, the reduced dose of mifepristone may be about 600 mg of mifepristone administered every day; or may be about 300 mg of mifepristone administered every day; or may be about 300 mg of mifepristone administered every other day. For example, where the original dose of mifepristone is about 600 mg per day, the reduced dose of mifepristone may be about 300 mg of mifepristone administered every day; or may be about 300 mg of mifepristone administered every other day; or may be about 300 mg of mifepristone administered every third day. For example, where the original dose of mifepristone is about 300 mg per day, the reduced dose of mifepristone may be about 300 mg of mifepristone administered every other day; or may be about 300 mg of mifepristone administered every third day; or may be about 300 mg of mifepristone administered every fourth day.

In embodiments in which a subject has been receiving about 1800 mg mifepristone per day, and concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole is indicated, the reduced dose of mifepristone may be about 1500 mg mifepristone per day; may be about 1200 mg mifepristone per day; may be about 900 mg mifepristone per day; may be about 600 mg mifepristone per day; may be about 300 mg mifepristone per day; may be about 300 mg mifepristone every other day; or may be about 300 mg mifepristone every third day. In embodiments in which a subject has been receiving about 1500 mg mifepristone per day, and concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole is indicated, the reduced dose of mifepristone may be about 1200 mg mifepristone per day; may be about 900 mg mifepristone per day; may be about 600 mg mifepristone per day; may be about 300 mg mifepristone per day; may be about 300 mg mifepristone every other day; or may be about 300 mg mifepristone every third day. In embodiments in which a subject has been receiving about 1200 mg mifepristone per day, and concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole is indicated, the reduced dose of mifepristone may be about 900 mg mifepristone per day; may be about 600 mg mifepristone per day; may be about 300 mg mifepristone per day; may be about 300 mg mifepristone every other day; or may be about 300 mg mifepristone every third day. In embodiments in which a subject has been receiving about 900 mg mifepristone per day, and concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole is indicated, the reduced dose of mifepristone may be about 600 mg mifepristone per day; may be about 300 mg mifepristone per day; may be about 300 mg mifepristone every other day; or may be about 300 mg mifepristone every third day. In embodiments in which a subject has been receiving about 600 mg mifepristone per day, and concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole is indicated, the reduced dose of mifepristone may be about 300 mg mifepristone per day; may be about 300 mg mifepristone every other day; may be about 300 mg every third day; or may be about 300 mg mifepristone every fourth day. In embodiments in which a subject has been receiving about 300 mg mifepristone per day, and concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole is indicated, the reduced dose of mifepristone may be about 300 mg mifepristone every other day; may be about 309 mg every third day; or may be about 300 mg mifepristone every fourth day.

In embodiments in which a subject has been receiving a first dose of mifepristone (e.g. a daily dose of mifepristone of about 1800 mg/day, or about 1500 mg/day, or about 1200 mg/day, or about 900 mg/day, or about 600 mg/day, or about 300 mg/day), and concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole is indicated, the subject may be administered a reduced dose of mifepristone, where the amount of the reduced dose is less than the original mifepristone dose by about 300 mg mifepristone per day, and the subject may be monitored for clinical effects of the drugs, including monitoring for clinical response to mifepristone. In embodiments in which a subject has been receiving a first dose of mifepristone (e.g. a daily dose of mifepristone of about 1800 mg/day, or about 1500 mg/day, or about 1200 mg/day, or about 900 mg/day, or about 600 mg/day, or about 300 mg/day), and concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole is indicated, the subject may be administered a reduced dose of mifepristone, where the amount of the reduced dose is less than the original mifepristone dose by about 300 mg mifepristone per day, and the reduced dose of mifepristone may be subsequently titrated upwards (i.e., increased in subsequent dose administrations) in increments of about 300 mg mifepristone. In embodiments, such upward titration of the reduced dose in increments of 300 mg/day may be subjected to a maximum daily dosage of about 600 mg/day, or of about 900 mg/day, or of about 1200 mg/day, or of about 1500 mg/day. In embodiments, such upward titration of the dosage of the reduced daily dose of mifepristone administered per day is capped at a maximum daily dose, wherein said maximum daily dose is selected from the group consisting of 900 milligrams (mg) mifepristone per day and 600 mg mifepristone per day.

The subject may be monitored for clinical effects of the drugs, e.g., for clinical response to the GRA (e.g., mifepristone), adverse events, side-effects of any drug, at any stage or at all stages, of such incremental upward titration of the mifepristone dosage. The interval of time between administration of a reduced dose, or of an upwardly titrated reduced dose, and an upward titration of a dose of mifepristone may be an interval selected from two days, four days, one week, two weeks, one month, two months, and three months. In embodiments, the interval of time between upward titration of a reduced dose, or of an upwardly titrated reduced dose, and a subsequent upward titration of a dosage of the reduced dose of mifepristone is selected from one week, two weeks, three weeks, and four weeks. Monitoring the patient for clinical response may include monitoring the patient (e.g., to identify or determine if there are changes in) for glucose control, anti-diabetic medication requirement, insulin level, psychiatric symptoms, cushingoid appearance, acne, hirsutism, and monitoring the body weight of the patient (e.g., to identify or determine if there are changes in any one or more of these symptoms and characteristics).

In embodiments in which a subject has been receiving a first dose of mifepristone (e.g. a daily dose of mifepristone of about 1800 mg/day, or about 1500 mg/day, or about 1200 mg/day, or about 900 mg/day, or about 600 mg/day, or about 300 mg/day), and concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole is indicated, the subject may be administered a reduced dose of mifepristone, where the amount of the reduced dose is less than the original mifepristone dose, and the reduced dose of mifepristone may be about 1500 mg mifepristone per day, or about 1500 mg/day, or about 1200 mg/day, or about 900 mg/day, or about 600 mg/day, or about 300 mg/day; and the subject may be monitored for clinical response to the GRA, or for other clinical effects of the drugs. In such embodiments, the reduced dose of mifepristone may be subsequently titrated upwards (i.e., increased in subsequent dose administrations) in increments of about 300 mg mifepristone. In embodiments, such upward titration of the reduced dose in increments of 300 mg/day may be subjected to a maximum daily dosage of about 600 mg/day, or of about 900 mg/day, or of about 1200 mg/day, or of about 1500 mg/day. In embodiments, such upward titration of the dosage of the reduced daily dose of mifepristone administered per day is capped at a maximum daily dose, wherein said maximum daily dose is selected from the group consisting of 900 milligrams (mg) mifepristone per day and 600 mg mifepristone per day.

The subject may be monitored for clinical response to the drugs, including e.g., clinical response to the GRA (e.g., mifepristone), for adverse events, side-effects of any of the drugs, at any stage, or at all stages, of such incremental upward titration of the mifepristone dosage. Upward titration of a reduced dose of mifepristone may be performed every two days, or every four days, or every week, or every two weeks, or every month, or every two months. In embodiments, the interval of time between upward titration of a reduced dose, or of an upwardly titrated reduced dose, and a subsequent upward titration of a dosage of the reduced dose of mifepristone is selected from one week, two weeks, three weeks, and four weeks.

Applicant discloses herein that concomitant treatment with both mifepristone and ketoconazole may lead to small increases in plasma levels of mifepristone as measured by Cmax and as measured by AUC. For example, as disclosed in Table 3 below, concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole led to about 28% (27.59%, or about 30%) increase in mifepristone Cmax and about 38% (38.01%, about 40%) increase in mifepristone AUC. Thus, in embodiments, a mifepristone dose administered to a subject receiving concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole may be reduced in compensation for such a small increase in mifepristone plasma levels. In embodiments in which a subject has been receiving mifepristone, and concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole is indicated, the reduced dose of mifepristone may be reduced by about 22% of the original dose of mifepristone. In embodiments in which a subject has been receiving mifepristone, and concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole is indicated, the reduced dose of mifepristone may be reduced by about 23% of the original dose of mifepristone. In embodiments in which a subject has been receiving mifepristone, and concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole is indicated, the reduced dose of mifepristone may be reduced by about 28% of the original dose of mifepristone. In embodiments in which a subject has been receiving mifepristone, and concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole is indicated, the reduced dose of mifepristone may be reduced by about 29% of the original dose of mifepristone. In embodiments, the reduced dose of mifepristone is a dose of mifepristone that is at least about 90% of the original dose of mifepristone; and may be a dose of mifepristone that is at least about 85%, or about 80%, or about 78%, or about 77%, or about 75%, or about 72%, or about 71%, or about 67%, or about 62%, or about 60%, or about 50%, or about 34%, or about 25% of the original dose of mifepristone.

Applicant further discloses herein that, since mifepristone provides added therapeutic benefit synergistic with that of ketoconazole, concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole makes it possible to reduce the dose of ketoconazole while maintaining mifepristone levels effective for therapy for a patient. Such a reduction in ketoconazole dose provides the benefit of reducing the risk of toxic side-effects associated with all ketoconazole treatments. Thus, concomitant administration of ketoconazole and mifepristone, by allowing reduced ketoconazole dose, provides improved, synergistic therapeutic benefits. In embodiments, such ketoconazole dose reduction may be used to wean the patient off ketoconazole, leading to lower and lower ketoconazole doses, thereby reducing the risk of ketoconazole toxicity. In embodiments, such ketoconazole dose reduction may be used to wean the patient off ketoconazole, leading to lower and lower ketoconazole doses, with concomitant upward adjustment of mifepristone dosage as needed, ultimately leading to treatment with mifepristone alone and cessation of ketoconazole treatment (lessening the risk of liver damage and other toxicities). Embodiments in which concomitant administration of ketoconazole and mifepristone may lead to ketoconazole dose reduction (as compared to the ketoconazole dose in the absence of mifepristone) include, e.g., Cushing's syndrome and hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer, and other disorders susceptible of treatment by mifepristone.

In embodiments, concomitant administration of ketoconazole and mifepristone allows for administration of an effective dose of ketoconazole that is a reduced dose of ketoconazole as compared to the ketoconazole dose administered in the absence of mifepristone. For example, Applicant discloses herein that concomitant administration of mifepristone and ketoconazole makes it possible to reduce the dose of ketoconazole while maintaining effective therapy for the patient. Such a reduction in ketoconazole dose provides the benefit of reducing the amount of ketoconazole administered to the subject. Embodiments in which a subject is concomitantly administered ketoconazole and mifepristone allow for ketoconazole dose reduction (as compared to the ketoconazole dose in the absence of mifepristone) include, e.g., Cushing's syndrome and hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer, and other disorders susceptible of treatment by ketoconazole and other steroidogenesis inhibitors.

In embodiments, the reduced dose of ketoconazole administered to a subject also concomitantly receiving mifepristone is a dose of ketoconazole that is at least about 5% less than the original dose of ketoconazole, where the original dose of ketoconazole is the dose the subject had been, or would have been, administered in the absence of mifepristone co-administration. In embodiments, the reduced dose of ketoconazole is a dose of ketoconazole that is at least about 10% less than the original dose of ketoconazole; and may be a dose of ketoconazole that is at least about 15%, or about 20%, or about 25%, or about 33%, or about 50%, or about 66%, or about 75% less than the original dose of ketoconazole.

Applicant provides definitions of some terms used in the present disclosure.

Definitions

The abbreviations used herein have their conventional meaning within the chemical and biological arts.

“Patient”, “patient in need”, “subject”, “subject in need” and the like refer to a person having, or suspected of having, a disease or condition which may be treated by administration of a therapeutic drug.

As used herein, the term “Cushing's syndrome” refers to an array of symptoms caused by excess cortisol. Cushing's syndrome includes endogenous Cushing's syndrome and ectopic Cushing's syndrome. Such symptoms include, for example, elevated blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, increased weight (typically in the mid-section, and in the face causing a characteristic “moon-face”), immune suppression, thin skin, acne, depression, hirsutism, and other symptoms.

As used herein, “Cushing's Disease” refers to pituitary-dependent Cushing's syndrome, e.g., excess cortisol caused by pituitary abnormality (typically a pituitary tumor). Cushing's Disease is thus a disease that is a particular type of Cushing's syndrome. The term Cushing's syndrome thus includes reference to Cushing's Disease.

As used herein, a “patient suffering from Cushing's syndrome” refers to any patient suffering from Cushing's syndrome, including endogenous Cushing's syndrome; Cushing's Disease; or a condition associated with Cushing's syndrome. A condition associated with Cushing's syndrome may be, without limitation, a condition associated with endogenous Cushing's syndrome; hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism; a condition of hypercortisolism in an endogenous Cushing's syndrome patient, said patient having type 2 diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance; a condition of hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in an endogenous Cushing's syndrome patient, said patient having type 2 diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance and having failed surgery; hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in an endogenous Cushing's syndrome patient, said patient having type 2 diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance and having failed surgery or who is not a candidate for surgery; and other conditions associated with Cushing's syndrome.

“Treat”, “treating” and “treatment” refer to any indicia of success in the treatment or amelioration of a pathology or condition, including any objective or subjective parameter such as abatement; remission; diminishing of symptoms or making the pathology or condition more tolerable to the patient; slowing in the rate of degeneration or decline; making the final point of degeneration less debilitating; or improving a patient's physical or mental well-being. The treatment or amelioration of symptoms can be based on objective or subjective parameters; including the results of a physical examination; histopathological examination (e.g., analysis of biopsied tissue); laboratory analysis of urine, saliva, tissue samples, serum, plasma, or blood; or imaging.

As used herein, “treating a patient who is suffering from Cushing's syndrome”, or treating a subject who is suffering from Cushing's syndrome”, or similar phrases refer to, without limitation, treating a patient suffering from Cushing's syndrome, including endogenous Cushing's syndrome; treating a patient suffering from Cushing's Disease; or treating a patient suffering from a condition associated with Cushing's syndrome. A condition associated with Cushing's syndrome is discussed above. For example, treating a patient who is suffering from Cushing's syndrome may include administering mifepristone or other GRA to control hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in adult patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome who have type 2 diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance and have failed surgery or are not candidates for surgery.

As used herein, the term “administration” refers to the delivery of a drug or other therapeutic into the body of a patient in need of treatment by the drug or therapeutic, effective to achieve a therapeutic effect. Administration may be by any suitable route of administration, including, for example, oral administration; intravenous administration; subcutaneous administration; parenteral administration; intra-arterial administration; nasal administration; topical administration; and other routes of administration.

As used herein, the terms “percent”, “%” and “weight percent” when applied to a dosage administered to a subject, all refer to a percentage taken by comparing the weight of a first dose to that of a second dose, and multiplying the resulting decimal fraction by 100. Thus, for example, where an original mifepristone dose is 1200 milligrams (mg), a dose that is reduced by 50% is a dose of 600 mg mifepristone; and where an original mifepristone dose is 600 milligrams (mg), a dose that is reduced by 50% is a dose of 300 mg mifepristone; and so forth.

As used herein, the phrases “less than x by at least”, “less than x by at least about”, and the like refer to amounts equal to and less than the x, where x is a number. For example, the phrase “less than the original dosage by at least 25%” refers to dosage amounts that include 25% less than the original dosage as well as other percentages (e.g., 26%, 28%, etc.) less than the original dosage amount.

As used herein, the terms “effective amount,” “amounts effective,” therapeutic amount”, and “therapeutically effective amount” refer to an amount or amounts of one or more pharmacological agents effective to treat, eliminate, or mitigate at least one symptom of the disease being treated. In some cases, “effective amount,” “amounts effective,” “therapeutic amount”, and “therapeutically effective amount” can refer to an amount of a functional agent or of a pharmaceutical composition useful for exhibiting a detectable therapeutic or inhibitory effect.

As used herein, the term “simultaneously or sequentially administering” refers to administration of two compounds, such as a GRA and a CYP3A inhibitor, such that the two compounds are in the body at the same time in therapeutically effective amounts.

As used herein, “concomitant” means at the same, or nearly the same, time, and “concomitantly” refers to actions performed at the same, or nearly the same, time. As used herein, he terms “concurrent” and “concomitant” are equivalent and may be used interchangeably. The adverbs “concurrently” and “concomitantly” are equivalent and may be used interchangeably.

As used herein, the term “concomitant administration” of two or more drugs means administering two or more drugs at the same, or nearly the same, time. Concomitant administration of two or more drugs provides therapeutically effective amounts of the two or more drugs in the system of the subject at the same time. Concomitant administration includes administration of a GRA to a patient who has previously been administered a drug, such as a CYP3A inhibitor or a steroidogenesis inhibitor, and therapeutically effective levels of the CYP3A inhibitor or steroidogenesis inhibitor remain in the patient when the patient is administered the GRA (e.g., when the patient is administered mifepristone), and includes administration of a CYP3A inhibitor or a steroidogenesis inhibitor to a patient who has previously been administered a drug, such as a GRA, and therapeutically effective levels of the GRA remain in the patient when the patient is administered the CYP3A inhibitor or steroidogenesis inhibitor.

As used herein, “concomitantly administering drugs” means that two or more drugs are administered to a subject at the same, or nearly the same, time. Drugs that are concomitantly administered will each be present in therapeutically effective amounts in the system of the subject at the same time. Nearly the same time means that only a short amount of time separates two events, such as administration of a first drug and the administration of a second drug.

Events or actions that are “simultaneous” or that occur or are performed “simultaneously” are events that occur or are performed at the same time.

As used herein, “at the same time” means that two events occur or are performed within about five minutes of each other.

As used herein, “nearly the same time” means that two events occur or are performed within about a short time of each other.

As used herein, a “short time”, a “short amount of time”, a “short period of time”, and the like mean a time that is less than about two hours, or less than about one hour, or less than about 45 minutes, or less than about 30 minutes, or less than about 20 minutes, or less than about 10 minutes, or less than about 7 minutes.

As used herein, the term “clinical effect” means changes in symptoms or signs characteristic of, or indicative of, a clinical condition or disorder. For example, where a subject is treated for Cushing's syndrome, including Cushing's Disease, a clinical effect may be a change in any one or more of blood pressure, blood glucose, other pre-diabetic symptom, weight, mid-section perimeter, facial characteristics (e.g., change in “moon-face” appearance), immune function, skin thickness, acne, depression or other mood symptom, hirsutism, and other symptoms.

As used herein, “monitoring for clinical response”, e.g., monitoring a patient for clinical response to a GRA such as mifepristone, may include monitoring the patient (e.g., to identify or determine if there are changes in) for glucose control, anti-diabetic medication requirement, insulin level, psychiatric symptoms, cushingoid appearance, acne, hirsutism, and monitoring the body weight of the patient (e.g., to identify or determine if there are changes in any one or more of these symptoms and characteristics). Monitoring for clinical response may also include monitoring a patient for adverse events, for side-effects of any drug (including a GRA, a CYP3A inhibitor, a steroidogenesis inhibitor, and combinations of these). Thus, monitoring for clinical response may include monitoring for clinical effect of a drug such as a GRM, including clinical efficacy of the GRM; for clinical effect of a steroidogenesis inhibitor or CYP3A inhibitor; for possible adverse reaction to a steroidogenesis inhibitor or CYP3A inhibitor; for possible adverse reaction to the use of a steroidogenesis inhibitor or CYP3A inhibitor in combination with the GRM; for possible side-effects of a steroidogenesis inhibitor or CYP3A inhibitor, or their use in combination with the GRM; or combinations thereof.

As used herein, the term “AUC” means the area under the plasma concentration-time curve, and serves as a measure of the plasma levels of a drug in a subject to whom the drug has been administered.

As used herein, the term “C_(max)” means the maximum observed plasma concentration of a drug in a subject to whom the drug has been administered.

As used herein, the term “binding” refers to persistent contact, or adherence (however brief or intermittent), between two compounds.

As used herein, the terms “affinity”, “binding affinity”, and related terms refer to the strength and specificity of binding, such as binding between a ligand and its receptor. “Higher affinity” is used with reference to comparative binding between two ligands to a receptor, where the ligand which binds with higher affinity binds at a lower concentration than does the “lower affinity” ligand. For example, in a competitive binding experiment, a high affinity ligand will compete with a reference ligand for binding to a receptor at a lower concentration than will the low affinity ligand compete for binding at the receptor.

The term “specific binding” refers to binding that is more selective, and typically stronger, than mere non-specific adhesion between compounds. Specific binding may be exemplified by the binding which occurs between a ligand and its receptor.

Description of compounds useful in the methods disclosed herein, and suitable for the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein are described in accordance with principles of chemical bonding known to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, where a group may be substituted by one or more of a number of substituents, such substitutions are selected so as to comply with principles of chemical bonding and to give compounds which are not inherently unstable and/or would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art as likely to be unstable under ambient conditions, such as aqueous, neutral, or physiological conditions.

Where substituent groups are specified by their conventional chemical formulae, written from left to right, they equally encompass the chemically identical substituents that would result from writing the structure from right to left, e.g., —CH₂O— is equivalent to —OCH₂—.

“Alkyl” refers to a straight or branched, saturated, aliphatic radical having the number of carbon atoms indicated. Alkyl can include any number of carbons, such as C₁₋₂, C₁₋₃, C₁₋₄, C₁₋₅, C₁₋₆, C₁₋₇, C₁₋₈, C₁₋₉, C₁₋₁₀, C₂₋₃, C₂₋₄, C₂₋₅, C₂₋₆, C₃₋₄, C₃₋₅, C₃₋₆, C₄₋₅, C₄₋₆ and C₅₋₆. For example, C₁₋₆ alkyl includes, but is not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec.butyl, tert.butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, hexyl, etc.

“Alkoxy” refers to an alkyl group having an oxygen atom that connects the alkyl group to the point of attachment: alkyl-O—. As for the alkyl group, alkoxy groups can have any suitable number of carbon atoms, such as C₁₋₆. Alkoxy groups include, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, iso-propoxy, butoxy, 2-butoxy, iso-butoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, etc.

“Halogen” refers to fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.

“Haloalkyl” refers to alkyl, as defined above, where some or all of the hydrogen atoms are replaced with halogen atoms. As for the alkyl group, haloalkyl groups can have any suitable number of carbon atoms, such as C₁₋₆. For example, haloalkyl includes trifluoromethyl, fluoromethyl, etc. In some instances, the term “perfluoro” can be used to define a compound or radical where all the hydrogens are replaced with fluorine. For example, perfluoromethane includes 1,1,1-trifluoromethyl.

“Haloalkoxy” refers to an alkoxy group where some or all of the hydrogen atoms are substituted with halogen atoms. As for the alkyl group, haloalkoxy groups can have any suitable number of carbon atoms, such as C₁₋₆. The alkoxy groups can be substituted with 1, 2, 3, or more halogens. When all the hydrogens are replaced with a halogen, for example by fluorine, the compounds are per-substituted, for example, perfluorinated. Haloalkoxy includes, but is not limited to, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2,2,-trifluoroethoxy, perfluoroethoxy, etc.

“Cycloalkyl” refers to a saturated or partially unsaturated, monocyclic, fused bicyclic or bridged polycyclic ring assembly containing from 3 to 12 ring atoms, or the number of atoms indicated. Cycloalkyl can include any number of carbons, such as C₃₋₆, C₄₋₆, C₅₋₆, C₃₋₈, C₄₋₈, C₅₋₈, C₆₋₈, C₃₋₉, C₃₋₁₀, C₃₋₁₁, and C₃₋₁₂. Saturated monocyclic cycloalkyl rings include, for example, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and cyclooctyl. Saturated bicyclic and polycyclic cycloalkyl rings include, for example, norbornane, [2.2.2] bicyclooctane, decahydronaphthalene and adamantane. Cycloalkyl groups can also be partially unsaturated, having one or more double or triple bonds in the ring. Representative cycloalkyl groups that are partially unsaturated include, but are not limited to, cyclobutene, cyclopentene, cyclohexene, cyclohexadiene (1,3- and 1,4-isomers), cycloheptene, cycloheptadiene, cyclooctene, cyclooctadiene (1,3-, 1,4- and 1,5-isomers), norbornene, and norbornadiene. When cycloalkyl is a saturated monocyclic C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, exemplary groups include, but are not limited to cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl. When cycloalkyl is a saturated monocyclic C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl, exemplary groups include, but are not limited to cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl.

“Heterocycloalkyl” refers to a saturated ring system having from 3 to 12 ring members and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms of N, O and S. Additional heteroatoms can also be useful, including, but not limited to, B, Al, Si and P. The heteroatoms can also be oxidized, such as, but not limited to, —S(O)— and —S(O)₂—. Heterocycloalkyl groups can include any number of ring atoms, such as, 3 to 6, 4 to 6, 5 to 6, 3 to 8, 4 to 8, 5 to 8, 6 to 8, 3 to 9, 3 to 10, 3 to 11, or 3 to 12 ring members. Any suitable number of heteroatoms can be included in the heterocycloalkyl groups, such as 1, 2, 3, or 4, or 1 to 2, 1 to 3, 1 to 4, 2 to 3, 2 to 4, or 3 to 4. The heterocycloalkyl group can include groups such as aziridine, azetidine, pyrrolidine, piperidine, azepane, azocane, quinuclidine, pyrazolidine, imidazolidine, piperazine (1,2-, 1,3- and 1,4-isomers), oxirane, oxetane, tetrahydrofuran, oxane (tetrahydropyran), oxepane, thiirane, thietane, thiolane (tetrahydrothiophene), thiane (tetrahydrothiopyran), oxazolidine, isoxalidine, thiazolidine, isothiazolidine, dioxolane, dithiolane, morpholine, thiomorpholine, dioxane, or dithiane. The heterocycloalkyl groups can also be fused to aromatic or non-aromatic ring systems to form members including, but not limited to, indoline.

When heterocycloalkyl includes 3 to 8 ring members and 1 to 3 heteroatoms, representative members include, but are not limited to, pyrrolidine, piperidine, tetrahydrofuran, oxane, tetrahydrothiophene, thiane, pyrazolidine, imidazolidine, piperazine, oxazolidine, isoxazolidine, thiazolidine, isothiazolidine, morpholine, thiomorpholine, dioxane and dithiane. Heterocycloalkyl can also form a ring having 5 to 6 ring members and 1 to 2 heteroatoms, with representative members including, but not limited to, pyrrolidine, piperidine, tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrothiophene, pyrazolidine, imidazolidine, piperazine, oxazolidine, isoxazolidine, thiazolidine, isothiazolidine, and morpholine.

“Aryl” refers to an aromatic ring system having any suitable number of ring atoms and any suitable number of rings. Aryl groups can include any suitable number of ring atoms, such as, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 ring atoms, as well as from 6 to 10, 6 to 12, or 6 to 14 ring members. Aryl groups can be monocyclic, fused to form bicyclic or tricyclic groups, or linked by a bond to form a biaryl group. Representative aryl groups include phenyl, naphthyl and biphenyl. Other aryl groups include benzyl, having a methylene linking group. Some aryl groups have from 6 to 12 ring members, such as phenyl, naphthyl or biphenyl. Other aryl groups have from 6 to 10 ring members, such as phenyl or naphthyl. Some other aryl groups have 6 ring members, such as phenyl. Aryl groups can be substituted or unsubstituted.

“Heteroaryl” refers to a monocyclic or fused bicyclic or tricyclic aromatic ring assembly containing 5 to 16 ring atoms, where from 1 to 5 of the ring atoms are a heteroatom such as N, O or S. Additional heteroatoms can also be useful, including, but not limited to, B, Al, Si and P. The heteroatoms can also be oxidized, such as, but not limited to, N-oxide, —S(O)— and —S(O)₂—. Heteroaryl groups can include any number of ring atoms, such as, 3 to 6, 4 to 6, 5 to 6, 3 to 8, 4 to 8, 5 to 8, 6 to 8, 3 to 9, 3 to 10, 3 to 11, or 3 to 12 ring members. Any suitable number of heteroatoms can be included in the heteroaryl groups, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, or 1 to 2, 1 to 3, 1 to 4, 1 to 5, 2 to 3, 2 to 4, 2 to 5, 3 to 4, or 3 to 5. Heteroaryl groups can have from 5 to 8 ring members and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms, or from 5 to 8 ring members and from 1 to 3 heteroatoms, or from 5 to 6 ring members and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms, or from 5 to 6 ring members and from 1 to 3 heteroatoms. The heteroaryl group can include groups such as pyrrole, pyridine, imidazole, pyrazole, triazole, tetrazole, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, triazine (1,2,3-, 1,2,4- and 1,3,5-isomers), thiophene, furan, thiazole, isothiazole, oxazole, and isoxazole. The heteroaryl groups can also be fused to aromatic ring systems, such as a phenyl ring, to form members including, but not limited to, benzopyrroles such as indole and isoindole, benzopyridines such as quinoline and isoquinoline, benzopyrazine (quinoxaline), benzopyrimidine (quinazoline), benzopyridazines such as phthalazine and cinnoline, benzothiophene, and benzofuran. Other heteroaryl groups include heteroaryl rings linked by a bond, such as bipyridine. Heteroaryl groups can be substituted or unsubstituted.

The heteroaryl groups can be linked via any position on the ring. For example, pyrrole includes 1-, 2- and 3-pyrrole, pyridine includes 2-, 3- and 4-pyridine, imidazole includes 1-, 2-, 4- and 5-imidazole, pyrazole includes 1-, 3-, 4- and 5-pyrazole, triazole includes 1-, 4- and 5-triazole, tetrazole includes 1- and 5-tetrazole, pyrimidine includes 2-, 4-, 5- and 6-pyrimidine, pyridazine includes 3- and 4-pyridazine, 1,2,3-triazine includes 4- and 5-triazine, 1,2,4-triazine includes 3-, 5- and 6-triazine, 1,3,5-triazine includes 2-triazine, thiophene includes 2- and 3-thiophene, furan includes 2- and 3-furan, thiazole includes 2-, 4- and 5-thiazole, isothiazole includes 3-, 4- and 5-isothiazole, oxazole includes 2-, 4- and 5-oxazole, isoxazole includes 3-, 4- and 5-isoxazole, indole includes 1-, 2- and 3-indole, isoindole includes 1- and 2-isoindole, quinoline includes 2-, 3- and 4-quinoline, isoquinoline includes 1-, 3- and 4-isoquinoline, quinazoline includes 2- and 4-quinoazoline, cinnoline includes 3- and 4-cinnoline, benzothiophene includes 2- and 3-benzothiophene, and benzofuran includes 2- and 3-benzofuran.

Some heteroaryl groups include those having from 5 to 10 ring members and from 1 to 3 ring atoms including N, O or S, such as pyrrole, pyridine, imidazole, pyrazole, triazole, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, triazine (1,2,3-, 1,2,4- and 1,3,5-isomers), thiophene, furan, thiazole, isothiazole, oxazole, isoxazole, indole, isoindole, quinoline, isoquinoline, quinoxaline, quinazoline, phthalazine, cinnoline, benzothiophene, and benzofuran. Other heteroaryl groups include those having from 5 to 8 ring members and from 1 to 3 heteroatoms, such as pyrrole, pyridine, imidazole, pyrazole, triazole, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, triazine (1,2,3-, 1,2,4- and 1,3,5-isomers), thiophene, furan, thiazole, isothiazole, oxazole, and isoxazole. Some other heteroaryl groups include those having from 9 to 12 ring members and from 1 to 3 heteroatoms, such as indole, isoindole, quinoline, isoquinoline, quinoxaline, quinazoline, phthalazine, cinnoline, benzothiophene, benzofuran and bipyridine. Still other heteroaryl groups include those having from 5 to 6 ring members and from 1 to 2 ring heteroatoms including N, O or S, such as pyrrole, pyridine, imidazole, pyrazole, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, thiophene, furan, thiazole, isothiazole, oxazole, and isoxazole.

Some heteroaryl groups include from 5 to 10 ring members and only nitrogen heteroatoms, such as pyrrole, pyridine, imidazole, pyrazole, triazole, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, triazine (1,2,3-, 1,2,4- and 1,3,5-isomers), indole, isoindole, quinoline, isoquinoline, quinoxaline, quinazoline, phthalazine, and cinnoline. Other heteroaryl groups include from 5 to 10 ring members and only oxygen heteroatoms, such as furan and benzofuran. Some other heteroaryl groups include from 5 to 10 ring members and only sulfur heteroatoms, such as thiophene and benzothiophene. Still other heteroaryl groups include from 5 to 10 ring members and at least two heteroatoms, such as imidazole, pyrazole, triazole, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, triazine (1,2,3-, 1,2,4- and 1,3,5-isomers), thiazole, isothiazole, oxazole, isoxazole, quinoxaline, quinazoline, phthalazine, and cinnoline.

“Heteroatoms” refers to O, S or N.

“Salt” refers to acid or base salts of the compounds used in the methods of the present invention. Illustrative examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts are mineral acid (hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, and the like) salts, organic acid (acetic acid, propionic acid, glutamic acid, citric acid and the like) salts, quaternary ammonium (methyl iodide, ethyl iodide, and the like) salts. It is understood that the pharmaceutically acceptable salts are non-toxic. Additional information on suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be found in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17th ed., Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., 1985, which is incorporated herein by reference.

“Isomers” refers to compounds with the same chemical formula but which are structurally distinguishable.

“Tautomer” refers to one of two or more structural isomers which exist in equilibrium and which are readily converted from one form to another.

As used herein, the term “ketoconazole” refers to the molecule having the chemical name “1-acetyl-4-[4-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-[(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-methyl]-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl]methoxy]phenyl]piperaziner)”; it is sold for clinical use under the name “Nizoral®”, and may also be referred to by the abbreviation “keto”.

As used herein, the terms “steroid” and “steroids”, and the phrase “steroidal backbone” in the context of glucocorticoid receptor antagonists containing such refers to glucocorticoid receptor antagonists that contain modifications of the basic structure of cortisol, an endogenous steroidal glucocorticoid receptor ligand. The basic structure of a steroidal backbone is provided as Formula I:

The two most commonly known classes of structural modifications of the cortisol steroid backbone to create glucocorticoid antagonists include modifications of the 11-β hydroxy group and modification of the 17-β side chain (See, e. g., Lefebvre (1989) J. Steroid Biochem. 33: 557-563).

As used herein, the terms “progesterone receptor” and “PR” refer to a naturally occurring receptor which binds progesterone.

The term “aldosterone” refers to the naturally occurring mineralocorticoid hormone having the structure:

A mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), also known as a type I glucocorticoid receptor (GR I), is activated by aldosterone in humans.

The term “cortisol” refers to the naturally occurring glucocorticoid hormone (also known as hydrocortisone) having the structure:

As used herein, the term glucocorticoid receptor (GR) refers to a receptor that binds a glucocorticoid, such as cortisol, dexamethasone, or other molecules. A glucocorticoid receptor, also known as a corticosteroid receptor or as a type II glucocorticoid receptor (GR II), and in humans, as a cortisol receptor, is activated by cortisol in humans (or, e.g., by corticosterone (“cortisone”) in some other animals, such as rats and mice). The human cortisol receptor (GR II receptor, Genbank: P04150) specifically binds to cortisol and/or cortisol analogs (e.g. dexamethasone). The term includes isoforms of GR II, recombinant GRII, and mutated GRII.

As used herein, the term glucocorticoid receptor modulator (GRM) refers to an agent that affects the action of a glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Such modulation may include activation (agonist action), partial activation (partial agonist action), inhibition (reduction in activation of the receptor under conditions where it would otherwise be activated, such as in the presence of cortisol), and blockade (complete or near complete suppression of activation of the receptor under conditions where it would otherwise be activated, such as in the presence of cortisol). GRMs may affect the activity of a GR by increasing or by decreasing the activity of the GR. GRMs include steroids, and, in embodiments, include pyrimidinediones; azadecalins; fused-ring azadecalins; heteroaryl-ketone fused-ring azadecalins; and other compounds.

As used herein, the terms “glucocorticoid agonist”, “glucocorticoid receptor agonist”, “glucocorticoid receptor type II agonist”, and “GRII agonist” refer to a compound or agent which may bind to and activate a cortisol receptor. Such agents include, for example, cortisol, dexamethosone, prednisone, and other compounds and agents which bind to and activate a GRII.

As used herein, the terms “glucocorticoid antagonist”, “glucocorticoid receptor antagonist”, “glucocorticoid antagonist”, “glucocorticoid receptor type II antagonist”, “GRIT antagonist”, and “GRA” refer to agents that inhibit the action of a cortisol receptor; such inhibition may include interfering with the binding of a glucocorticoid agonist such as cortisol, dexamethosone, or other compound or agent which may bind to and activate a cortisol receptor. A GRA is a glucocorticoid receptor modulator. Inhibition constants (K_(i)) for GRAs against the human cortisol receptor may be between about 0.0001 nM and about 1,000 nM; preferably may be between about 0.0005 nM and about 10 nM, and most preferably between about 0.001 nM and about 1 nM.

The term “glucocorticoid receptor antagonist” refers to any composition or compound which partially or completely inhibits (antagonizes) the binding of a glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonist, such as cortisol, or cortisol analogs, synthetic or natural, to a GR. A “specific glucocorticoid receptor antagonist” refers to any composition or compound which inhibits any biological response associated with the binding of a GR to an agonist. By “specific,” we intend the drug to preferentially bind to the GR rather than another nuclear receptors, such as mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) or progesterone receptor (PR).

By “specific,” the drug preferentially binds to the GR rather than other nuclear receptors, such as mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), androgen receptor (AR), or progesterone receptor (PR). It is preferred that the specific glucocorticoid receptor antagonist bind GR with an affinity that is 10× greater ( 1/10^(th) the K_(d) value) than its affinity to the MR, AR, or PR. In a more preferred embodiment, the specific glucocorticoid receptor antagonist binds GR with an affinity that is 100× greater ( 1/100^(th) the K_(d) value) than its affinity to the MR, AR, or PR.

In embodiments, a glucocorticoid receptor modulator (GRM) is a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA). In embodiments, the GRA is an antagonist of a glucocorticoid type II (GRIT) receptor. In embodiments, the GRA binds preferentially to a GRII receptor as compared to its binding to a glucocorticoid type I (GRI) receptor. In embodiments, the GRA reduces the activation of a GRIT receptor. In embodiments, the GRA reduces the activity of a GRII receptor. In embodiments, the GRA may bind to a progesterone receptor (PR), and may bind to a glucocorticoid receptor with higher affinity than it binds to PR. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone. In embodiments, the GRA is a selective inhibitor of the glucocorticoid receptor. In embodiments, the GRA may only poorly bind to PR, or may not measurably bind to PR.

As used herein, a “steroidal glucocorticoid receptor antagonist” means a molecule including a steroid backbone structure which antagonizes the binding of cortisol, corticosterone, or dexamethasone to a glucocorticoid receptor, or which reduces or blocks the activation of a glucocorticoid receptor by cortisol, corticosterone, or dexamethasone. Examples of steroidal glucocorticoid receptor antagonists include mifepristone, monodemethylated mifepristone, didemethylated mifepristone, 17-α-[3′-hydroxy-propynyl]mifepristone, ulipristal (CDB-2914), CDB-3877, CDB-3963, CDB-3236, CDB-4183, cortexolone, dexamethasone-oxetanone, 19-nordeoxycorticosterone, 19-norprogesterone, cortisol-21-mesylate; dexamethasone-21-mesylate, 11(-(4-dimethylaminoethoxyphenyl)-17(-propynyl-17(-hydroxy-4,9-estradien-3one, and 17(-hydroxy-17(-19-(4-methylphenyl)androsta-4,9(11)-dien-3-one.

Mifepristone is a GRA, which binds to GRII (and which also binds to a progesterone receptor). As used herein, the term “mifepristone” refers to 11β-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-17β-hydroxy-17α-(1-propynyl)-estra-4,9-dien-3-one), also referred to as RU486, or as RU38.486, or as 17-beta-hydroxy-11-beta-(4-dimethyl-aminophenyl)-17-alpha-(1-propynyl)-estra-4,9-dien-3-one). Mifepristone binds to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), typically with high affinity, and inhibits the biological effects initiated/mediated by the binding of any cortisol or cortisol analogue to a GR receptor. Salts, hydrates and prodrugs of mifepristone are all included in the term “mifepristone” as used herein. Thus, used herein, “mifepristone” refers to the molecule that has the following structure:

and to salts, hydrates and prodrugs thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Mifepristone is also sometimes abbreviated as “mife” and “MIFE”.

Metabolites of mifepristone include RU42633 (desmethylmifepristone: (8S,11R,13S,14S,17S)-17-hydroxy-13-methyl-11-[4-(methylamino)phenyl]-17-prop-1-ynyl-1,2,6,7,8,11,12,14,15,16-decahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one); RU42698 (22-hydroxy mifepristone: (8S,11R,13S,14S,17S)-11-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-17-hydroxy-17-(3-hydroxyprop-1-ynyl)-13-methyl-1,2,6,7,8,11,12,14,15,16-decahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one); and RU42848 (didesmethylmifepristone: (8S,11R,13S,14S,17S)-11-(4-aminophenyl)-17-hydroxy-13-methyl-17-prop-1-ynyl-1,2,6,7,8,11,12,14,15,16-decahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one), among others.

In some embodiments, the GRA comprises a steroidal backbone with at least one phenyl-containing moiety in the 11-β position of the steroidal backbone. In some cases, the phenyl-containing moiety in the 11-β position of the steroidal backbone is a dimethylaminophenyl moiety. In some cases, the GRA is mifepristone. In some embodiments, the GRA is selected from the group consisting of 11β-(4-dimethylaminoethoxyphenyl)-17α-propynyl-17β-hydroxy-4,9 estradien-3-one and (17α)-17-hydroxy-19-(4-methylphenyl)androsta-4,9(11)-dien-3-one. In some embodiments, the GRA is (11β, 17β)-11-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-17-hydroxy-17-(1-propynyl)estra-4,9-dien-3-one.

As used herein, the phrase “non-steroidal backbone” in the context of glucocorticoid receptor antagonists containing such refers to glucocorticoid receptor antagonists that do not share structural homology to, or are not modifications of, cortisol. Such compounds include, for example, small molecules, synthetic mimetics and analogs of proteins, including partially peptidic, pseudopeptidic and non-peptidic molecular entities.

In some embodiments, the GRA is a non-steroidal compound. In embodiments, non-steroidal GRA compounds include compounds having a cyclohexyl-pyrimidine backbone; non-steroidal GRA compounds having a fused azadecalin backbone; non-steroidal GRA compounds having a heteroaryl ketone fused azadecalin backbone; and non-steroidal GRA compounds having an octahydro fused azadecalin backbone. Exemplary glucocorticoid receptor antagonists having a cyclohexyl-pyrimidine backbone include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,685,973. Exemplary glucocorticoid receptor antagonists having a fused azadecalin backbone include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,928,237; and 8,461,172. Exemplary glucocorticoid receptor antagonists having a heteroaryl ketone fused azadecalin backbone include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,859,774. Exemplary glucocorticoid receptor antagonists having an octohydro fused azadecalin backbone include those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 20150148341.

In some cases, the GRA having a non-steroidal backbone is a cyclohexyl pyrimidine. In some cases, wherein the cyclohexyl pyrimidine has the following formula:

wherein the dashed line is absent or a bond; X is selected from the group consisting of O and S; R¹ is selected from the group consisting of cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl, optionally substituted with from 1 to 3 R^(1a) groups; each R^(1a) is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₆ alkyl OR^(1b), halogen, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₁₋₆ haloaloxy, OR^(1b), NR^(1b)R^(1c), C(O)R^(1b), C(O)OR^(1b), OC(O)R^(1b), C(O)NR^(1b)R^(1c), NR^(1b)C(O)R^(1c), SO₂R^(1b), SO₂NR^(1b)R^(1c), cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl; R^(1b) and R^(1c) are each independently selected from the group consisting of H and C₁₋₆ alkyl; R² is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-OR^(1b), C₁₋₆ alkyl NR^(1b)R^(1c) and C₁₋₆ alkylene heterocycloalkyl; R³ is selected from the group consisting of H and C₁₋₆ alkyl; Ar is aryl, optionally substituted with 1-4 R⁴ groups; each R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogen, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl and C₁₋₆ haloalkoxy; L¹ is a bond or C₁₋₆ alkylene; and subscript n is an integer from 0 to 3, or salts and isomers thereof.

In some cases, the GRA having a non-steroidal backbone is a fused azadecalin. In some cases, the fused azadecalin is a compound having the following formula:

wherein L¹ and L² are members independently selected from a bond and unsubstituted alkylene; R¹ is a member selected from unsubstituted alkyl, unsubstituted heteroalkyl, unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, —OR^(1A), NR^(1C)R^(1D), —C(O)NR^(1C)R^(1D), and —C(O)OR^(1A), wherein R^(1A) is a member selected from hydrogen, unsubstituted alkyl and unsubstituted heteroalkyl, R^(1C) and R^(1D) are members independently selected from unsubstituted alkyl and unsubstituted heteroalkyl, wherein R^(1C) and R^(1D) are optionally joined to form an unsubstituted ring with the nitrogen to which they are attached, wherein said ring optionally comprises an additional ring nitrogen; R² has the formula:

wherein R^(2G) is a member selected from hydrogen, halogen, unsubstituted alkyl, unsubstituted heteroalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, —CN, and —CF₃; J is phenyl; t is an integer from 0 to 5; X is —S(O₂)—; and R⁵ is phenyl optionally substituted with 1-5 R^(5A) groups, wherein R^(5A) is a member selected from hydrogen, halogen, —OR^(5A1), S(O₂)NR^(5A2)R^(5A3), —CN, and unsubstituted alkyl, wherein R^(5A1) is a member selected from hydrogen and unsubstituted alkyl, and R^(5A2) and R^(5A3) are members independently selected from hydrogen and unsubstituted alkyl, or salts and isomers thereof.

In some cases, the GRA having a non-steroidal backbone is a heteroaryl ketone fused azadecalin or an octahydro fused azadecalin. In some cases, the heteroaryl ketone fused azadecalin has the formula:

wherein R¹ is a heteroaryl ring having from 5 to 6 ring members and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S, optionally substituted with 1-4 groups each independently selected from R^(1a); each R^(1a) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, halogen, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₆ haloalkoxy, CN, N-oxide, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, and C₃₋₈ heterocycloalkyl; ring J is selected from the group consisting of a cycloalkyl ring, a heterocycloalkyl ring, an aryl ring and a heteroaryl ring, wherein the heterocycloalkyl and heteroaryl rings have from 5 to 6 ring members and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S; each R² is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, halogen, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₆ haloalkoxy, C₁₋₆ alkyl-C₁₋₆ alkoxy, CN, OH, NR^(2a)R^(2b), C(O)R^(2a), C(O)OR^(2a), C(O)NR^(2a)R^(2b), SR^(2a), S(O)R^(2a), S(O)₂R^(2a), C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, and C₃₋₈ heterocycloalkyl, wherein the heterocycloalkyl groups are optionally substituted with 1-4 R^(2c) groups; alternatively, two R² groups linked to the same carbon are combined to form an oxo group (═O); alternatively, two R² groups are combined to form a heterocycloalkyl ring having from 5 to 6 ring members and from 1 to 3 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S, wherein the heterocycloalkyl ring is optionally substituted with from 1 to 3 R^(2d) groups; R^(2a) and R^(2b) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁₋₆ alkyl; each R^(2c) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₆ haloalkoxy, CN, and NR^(2a)R^(2b); each R^(2d) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁₋₆ alkyl, or two R^(2d) groups attached to the same ring atom are combined to form (═O); R³ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl and pyridyl, each optionally substituted with 1-4 R^(3a) groups; each R^(3a) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, and C₁₋₆ haloalkyl; and subscript n is an integer from 0 to 3; or salts and isomers thereof.

In some cases, the octahydro fused azadecalin has the formula:

wherein R¹ is a heteroaryl ring having from 5 to 6 ring members and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S, optionally substituted with 1-4 groups each independently selected from R^(1a); each R^(1a) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, halogen, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₆ haloalkoxy, N-oxide, and C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl; ring J is selected from the group consisting of an aryl ring and a heteroaryl ring having from 5 to 6 ring members and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S; each R² is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, halogen, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₆ haloalkoxy, C₁₋₆ alkyl-C₁₋₆alkoxy, CN, OH, NR^(2a)R^(2b), C(O)R^(2a), C(O)OR^(2a), C(O)NR^(2a)R^(2b), SR^(2a), S(O)R^(2a), S(O)₂R^(2a), C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, and C₃₋₈ heterocycloalkyl having from 1 to 3 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S; alternatively, two R² groups on adjacent ring atoms are combined to form a heterocycloalkyl ring having from 5 to 6 ring members and from 1 to 3 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S, wherein the heterocycloalkyl ring is optionally substituted with from 1 to 3 R^(2c) groups; R^(2a), R^(2b) and R^(2c) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁₋₆ alkyl; each R^(3a) is independently halogen; and subscript n is an integer from 0 to 3, or salts and isomers thereof.

Further examples of non-steroidal glucocorticoid receptor antagonists include, for example N-(2-[4,4′,441-trichlorotrityl]oxyethyl)morpholine; 1-(2[4,4′,4″-trichlorotrityl]oxyethyl)-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine dimaleate; N-([4,4′,4″]-trichlorotrityl)imidazole; 9-(3-mercapto-1,2,4-triazolyl)-9-phenyl-2,7-difluorofluorenone; 1-(2-chlorotrityl)-3,5-dimethylpyrazole; 4-(morpholinomethyl)-A-(2-pyridyl)benzhydrol; 5-(5-methoxy-2-(N-methylcarbamoyl)-phenyl)dibenzosuberol; N-(2-chlorotrityl)-L-prolinol acetate; 1-(2-chlorotrityl)-1,2,4-triazole; 1,S-bis(4,4′,4″-trichlorotrityl)-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol; 4α(S)-Benzyl-2(R)-chloroethynyl-1,2,3,4,4α,9,10,10α(R)-octahydro-phenanthrene-2,7-diol (“CP 394531”), 4α(S)-Benzyl-2(R)-prop-1-ynyl-1,2,3,4,4α,9,10,10α(R)-octahydro-phenanthrene-2,7-diol (“CP-409069”), trans-(1R,2R)-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-1 pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]benzeneacetamide, bremazocine, and ethylketocyclazocine.

As used herein, the term “hormone-sensitive cancer” refers to any cancer which may be affected by a hormone; hormones typically increase proliferation of hormone-sensitive cancers. Hormone sensitive cancers include, e.g., prostate cancer and other androgen-sensitive cancers; breast cancer, ovarian cancer and other estrogen-sensitive or progesterone-sensitive cancers.

As used herein, the term “chemotherapy” refers to medical treatments typically used to treat cancer. Chemotherapy treatments include the use of agents which are toxic to cancerous tissues and cells, or which act to slow or reduce the growth or spread of cancerous tissues and cells. Chemotherapy agents include antineoplastic agents and may be derived from natural compounds (e.g., taxols); may be, may mimic, or may reduce or block the actions of naturally occurring hormones, growth factors, or immunologically active molecules; may be synthetic small molecules; may be antibodies or antibody conjugates; and may be other agents. Exemplary chemotherapy agents include, but are not limited to, taxanes, taxol, docetaxel, paclitaxel, actinomycin, anthracyclines, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, valrubicin, bleomycin, cisplatin, trastuzumab (Herceptin®), trastuzumab emtasine (Kadcyla®), imatinib (Gleevec®), eribulin (Halaven®), among others known in the art.

As used herein, a phrase of the form “the reduced dose of Z is a dose that is at least about X % less than the original dose” (where “Z” represents a pharmaceutical compound or pharmaceutical composition, and “X” represents a numerical value) is used to indicate that the reduced dose is an amount of Z calculated by 1) multiplying the amount of Z in the original dose by X % to obtain a multiplicative product, and 2) subtracting that product from the original dose. Thus, for example, where the original dose is 600 mg, and X % is 50%, the multiplicative product of 600 mg and 50% is 300 mg, and the reduced dose is 300 mg; and, for example, where the original dose is 900 mg, and X % is 66%, the multiplicative product of 900 mg and 66% is about 600 mg (594 mg), and the reduced dose is about 300 mg (306 mg).

As used herein, the terms “pharmaceutical composition” and “formulation” refer to compositions suitable for administration to a patient for treatment of a medical condition or for amelioration of symptoms of a medical condition. A pharmaceutical composition as disclosed herein includes an active ingredient (e.g., a GRA, such as, e.g., mifepristone; or a combination of a GRA and a SI, where the SI may be, e.g., ketoconazole) and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. In embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition includes one or more active ingredients and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

As used herein, the terms “pharmaceutically acceptable excipient” and “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” refer to a substance that aids the administration of an active agent to and absorption by a subject and can be included in the compositions of the present invention without causing a significant adverse toxicological effect on the patient. Non-limiting examples of pharmaceutically acceptable excipients include water, NaCl, normal saline solutions, lactated Ringer's, normal sucrose, normal glucose, binders, fillers, disintegrants, lubricants, coatings, sweeteners, flavors and colors, and the like. One of skill in the art will recognize that other pharmaceutical excipients are useful in the present invention.

As used herein, the terms “sustained release,” “slow release,” “long acting,” “prolonged release,” and the like refer to a pharmaceutical composition or formulation containing at least one active ingredient (e.g., GRA, SI, or combination thereof) formulated to maintain a therapeutic concentration of active ingredient(s) in a patient for a longer period of time in comparison to formulations that are not designed for such sustained release. In some cases, the sustained release formulation maintains therapeutic concentration of one or more active ingredient(s) for, or for at least, one week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks, five weeks, or six weeks. In some cases, the sustained release formulation is administered to a patient every one, two, three, four, five, or six weeks.

As used herein, a “steroidogenesis inhibitor” is a compound which reduces or blocks the synthesis of steroid molecules when administered to an animal, or subject, which normally produces steroids. Steroidogenesis inhibitors include, for example, ketoconazole, metyrapone, etomidate, and other drugs. A steroidogenesis inhibitor may act by one or more of several mechanisms, including, e.g., blocking synthesis of steroid molecules (e.g., ketoconazole, metyrapone).

As used herein, the term “CYP enzyme” refers to a cytochrome P450 enzyme. Cytochrome P450 enzymes are important in many metabolic and catabolic reactions in humans and other animals, and play important roles in drug metabolism and action. Drug-drug interactions in which administration of one drug affects the concentration, half-life, activity, or other effect of another drug may include effects on CYP enzymes by induction of CYP enzymes (increasing the amount or activity of one or more CYP enzymes); inhibition (reducing the activity of one or more CYP enzymes); competition (competing for sites or occupying sites, e.g., as a substrate, of one or more CYP enzymes); or by other means. Particular CYP enzymes include, for example, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A enzymes.

As used herein, a “CYP3A inhibitor” is a compound which reduces or blocks the activity of the cytochrome CYP3A, or reduces or blocks the expression of the gene-product of CYP3A genes (e.g., inhibits transcription or translation of CYP3A genes). CYP3A inhibitors may be termed strong or moderate if their administration, along with a test drug known to be metabolized by CYP3A enzymes (such as, e.g., midazolam), raises the AUC (area under the concentration curve) of the test drug by greater than five-fold (strong CYP3A inhibitors) or by between two-fold and five-fold (moderate CYP3A inhibitors). Inhibitors of CYP3A include, for example, ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, cimetidine, nefazodone, ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, atazanavir, amprenavir, fosamprenavir, boceprevir, clarithromycin, conivaptan, lopinavir, posaconazole, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, and voriconazole.

Strong CYP3A inhibitors include, for example, ketoconazole, itraconazole, nefazodone, ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, atazanavir, amprenavir and fosamprenavir, clarithromycin, conivaptan, lopinavir/ritonavir, posaconazole, saquinavir, telithromycin, and voriconazole.

Metyrapone (also known as Metopirone®) is 2-methyl-1,2-bis-(3-pyridyl)-1-propanone. Metopirone is believed to reduce cortisol and corticosterone production by inhibiting the 11-β-hydroxylation reaction in the adrenal cortex.

Etomidate (also known as Amidate®) is R-(+)-ethyl-1-(1-phenylethyl)-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylate. Although primarily used as a rapid-onset anesthetic, etomidate also lowers plasma cortisol levels. It is believed to reduce corticosteroid synthesis in the adrenal cortex by inhibiting 11β-hydroxylase.

Ketoconazole (1-acetyl-4-[4-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-[(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-methyl]-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl]methoxy]phenyl]piperazine) is often used to treat fungal infections (e.g., (NIZORAL®) for the treatment of fungal infections). In addition, ketoconazole is a steroidogenesis inhibitor and can reduce the production of steroid molecules (such as, e.g., steroid hormones), typically by blocking the metabolism of cholesterol. Ketoconazole thus may be used to treat excessive cortisol production (e.g., to treat Cushing's disease and Cushing's syndrome), to reduce androgen production (e.g., in patients with hormone-sensitive cancers such as prostate cancer), to reduce estrogen or progesterone production (e.g., in patients with hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast cancer), and other treatments.

However, ketoconazole often has serious deleterious effects on liver and other organs. Thus, it is desirable to minimize the dose of ketoconazole administered to a patient, and methods for reducing the dose of ketoconazole are desired.

Treatment Methods

Methods disclosed herein include methods of treating a disease characterized by excess steroid levels, or by excess activity due to steroids. Methods disclosed herein also include methods of treating a disease that may be treated by reducing or blocking the action of steroids, such as steroid hormones. In embodiments, the disease is characterized by excess cortisol levels, such as, e.g., Cushing's syndrome, and in particular, Cushing's Disease. (As noted above, both Cushing's syndrome and Cushing's Disease are characterized by excess cortisol; Cushing's Disease falls within the definition of Cushing's syndrome as a particular type or example of Cushing's syndrome; thus, all discussion and disclosure regarding Cushing's syndrome includes Cushing's Disease.) Methods disclosed herein also include methods of treating cancer and cancerous tumors, such as hormone-sensitive cancers including prostate cancer, comprising concomitant administration of a GRM and ketoconazole to provide thereby beneficial therapeutic effects. Methods, compositions, and kits disclosed herein are related to the methods compositions, and kits and compositions disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/465,772, filed Mar. 1, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/466,867, filed Mar. 3, 2017, which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

For example, the present methods include concomitantly administering to a patient a CYP3A inhibitor and a glucocorticoid receptor modulator (GRM), such as a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA). In embodiments, the CYP3A inhibitor is ketoconazole. In embodiments, the CYP3A inhibitor is ketoconazole and the GRA is mifepristone. In embodiments, the patient is receiving a CYP3A inhibitor (such as, e.g., ketoconazole) and is concomitantly administered an amount of a GRA (such as, e.g., mifepristone) effective to treat Cushing's syndrome, e.g., effective to control hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in an adult patient suffering from endogenous Cushing's syndrome. In embodiments, the adult patient suffering from endogenous Cushing's syndrome has type 2 diabetes mellitis or glucose intolerance. In embodiments, the adult patient suffering from endogenous Cushing's syndrome has failed surgery or is not a candidate for surgery (e.g., referring to surgical treatment for Cushing's syndrome). In embodiments, the adult patient suffering from endogenous Cushing's syndrome has type 2 diabetes mellitis or glucose intolerance and has failed surgery or is not a candidate for surgery (e.g., referring to surgical treatment for Cushing's syndrome).

In embodiments, the present methods include methods for treating Cushing's syndrome in a patient taking a GRA, comprising reducing the daily dosage amount of the GRA from an original GRA dose to an adjusted GRA dose when the patient is receiving concomitant administration of a CYP3A inhibitor. In embodiments, the adjusted dose of GRA is at least 25% less than the original dose. In embodiments, the adjusted dose of GRA is at least 33% less than the original dose. In embodiments, the adjusted dose of GRA is less than the original dose by a fraction of the original dose selected from 10%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 33%, 33^(1/3)%, and 50%. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone, and the adjusted mifepristone dose is selected from 300 mg per day, 600 mg per day, and 900 mg per day. In embodiments, the CYP3A inhibitor is ketoconazole. In embodiments, the CYP3A inhibitor is ketoconazole and the GRA is mifepristone. In embodiments, the patient is receiving a CYP3A inhibitor (such as, e.g., ketoconazole) and is concomitantly administered an amount of a GRA (such as, e.g., mifepristone) effective to treat Cushing's syndrome, e.g., effective to control hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in an adult patient suffering from endogenous Cushing's syndrome. In embodiments, the adult patient suffering from endogenous Cushing's syndrome has type 2 diabetes mellitis or glucose intolerance. In embodiments, the adult patient suffering from endogenous Cushing's syndrome has failed surgery or is not a candidate for surgery (e.g., referring to surgical treatment for Cushing's syndrome). In embodiments, the adult patient suffering from endogenous Cushing's syndrome has type 2 diabetes mellitis or glucose intolerance and has failed surgery or is not a candidate for surgery (e.g., referring to surgical treatment for Cushing's syndrome).

For example, the present disclosed methods include administering to a patient receiving ketoconazole an effective amount of a glucocorticoid receptor modulator (GRM), such as a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA). In embodiments, the patient is receiving ketoconazole. In embodiments, the patient is receiving ketoconazole and the GRA is mifepristone. In embodiments, the patient is receiving ketoconazole and is administered an amount of mifepristone effective to reduce the effect of a steroid such as cortisol in the patient.

Thus, in embodiments, the methods disclosed herein include a method for treating a patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment for excess steroid levels, said ketoconazole treatment comprising administering an original dose of ketoconazole to said patient, said method comprising: administering a GRA to the patient receiving ketoconazole, whereby the patient receiving ketoconazole is administered a GRA for treating excess steroid levels. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone. In embodiments, the disease is Cushing's syndrome. In embodiments, the disease is Cushing's Disease.

Thus, in embodiments, the methods disclosed herein include a method for treating a patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment to reduce or block the effects of steroids, said ketoconazole treatment comprising administering an original dose of ketoconazole to said patient, said method comprising: administering a GRA to the patient receiving ketoconazole, whereby the patient receiving ketoconazole is administered a GRA for treating the effects of steroids in the patient. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone. In embodiments, the effects of steroids include hypercortisolemic effects, such as the effects of Cushing's syndrome. In embodiments, the effects of steroids include hormonal effects, such as effects on hormone-sensitive cancer.

Applicant further discloses a method for treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconzole treatment, said ketoconzole treatment comprising administering an original dose of ketoconzole to said patient, said method comprising: administering a GRA to the patient receiving ketoconzole, wherein the amount of GRA administered is a first dose of GRA, whereby the patient receiving ketoconzole is administered a GRA for treating Cushing's syndrome. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone. In embodiments, the or Cushing's syndrome patient suffers from Cushing's Disease.

For example, the present disclosed methods include concomitantly administering to a patient in need thereof, a) an effective amount of a glucocorticoid receptor modulator (GRM), such as a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA), and b) an effective amount of ketoconazole, such as ketoconazole, thereby reducing the effect, the amount, or both, of steroids such as cortisol in the patient. For example, a Cushing's syndrome patient may be in need of reducing their blood levels of cortisol, or may be in need of reducing the effect of cortisol in the patient. For example, a cancer patient may be in need of reducing their blood levels of a steroid, such as an androgen, a progestogen, an estrogen, or other steroid.

Thus, in embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, a subject currently receiving ketoconazole is administered a GRM. In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, a subject currently receiving ketoconzole as treatment for a condition characterized by excess steroid levels, or as treatment of a condition that is treated by reducing steroid levels or by reducing steroid effects, is administered a GRM, whereby the subject is treated for that condition. In embodiments, the condition is characterized by excessive cortisol levels. In embodiments, the condition is Cushing's syndrome. In embodiments, the condition is a cancer characterized by the deleterious action of steroid hormones on cells, such as cancer cells; the cancer may be hormone-sensitive cancer that may be treated by lowering the levels of a steroid in the patient. In embodiments, the hormone sensitive cancer is prostate cancer, breast cancer, or ovarian cancer.

Accordingly, Applicant discloses herein a method for treating a patient in need of reduced steroid levels, the patient receiving an original dose of ketoconazole, said method comprising:

administering a first dose of a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA) to the patient, wherein said first GRA dose is administered concomitantly with said dose of ketoconazole, whereby the patient is administered both an original dose of ketoconazole and a first dose of a GRA for reducing steroid levels in the patient. In embodiments of such methods, wherein said first dose of GRA comprises an amount of the GRA that is effective to aid in reducing steroid levels in the patient without substantially increasing the level of ketoconazole in the blood of the patient above that level produced by the original dose of ketoconazole, whereby the patient is administered both ketoconazole and an effective dose of a GRA and is not exposed to increased risk of ketoconazole toxicity.

Accordingly, Applicant discloses herein a method for treating a patient suffering from excess steroid levels, the patient receiving an original dose of ketoconazole, said method comprising:

administering a first dose of a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA) to the patient, wherein said first GRA dose is administered concomitantly with said dose of ketoconazole, whereby the patient is administered both an original dose of ketoconazole and a first dose of a GRA for reducing steroid levels in the patient. In embodiments of such methods, wherein said first dose of GRA comprises an amount of the GRA that is effective to aid in reducing steroid levels in the patient without substantially increasing the level of ketoconazole in the blood of the patient above that level produced by the original dose of ketoconazole, whereby the patient is administered both ketoconazole and an effective dose of a GRA and is not exposed to increased risk of ketoconazole toxicity. In embodiments, the excess steroid comprises excess androgen. In embodiments, the excess steroid comprises excess progestogen. In embodiments, the excess steroid comprises excess estrogen. In embodiments, the excess steroid comprises excess cortisol.

Accordingly, in further embodiments, Applicant discloses herein methods for treating a Cushing's syndrome patient, the patient receiving an original dose of ketoconazole, said methods comprising:

administering a first dose of a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA) to the patient, wherein said first GRA dose is administered concomitantly with said dose of ketoconazole, whereby the patient is administered both an original dose of ketoconazole and a first dose of a GRA for treating Cushing's syndrome. In embodiments of such methods, wherein said first dose of GRA comprises an amount of the GRA that is effective to aid in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome without substantially increasing the level of ketoconazole in the blood of the patient above that level produced by the original dose of ketoconazole, whereby the patient is administered both ketoconazole and an effective dose of a GRA and is not exposed to increased risk of ketoconazole toxicity.

In embodiments, Applicant discloses methods for treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, said ketoconazole treatment comprising administering an original dose of ketoconazole to said patient, said method comprising: administering said original dose of ketoconazole to said patient; and administering a first dose of a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA) to the patient, wherein said first dose of GRA comprises an amount of said GRA that is effective to aid in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome without substantially increasing the level of ketoconazole in the blood of the patient above that level produced by the original dose of ketoconazole, whereby the patient is administered both ketoconazole and a GRA for treating Cushing's syndrome and is not exposed to increased risk of ketoconazole toxicity. In embodiments, said GRA is mifepristone. In embodiments, the original dose of ketoconazole and the first dose of GRA are administered within a short time of each other. In embodiments, the original dose of ketoconazole and the first dose of GRA are administered at substantially the same time. In embodiments, the original dose of ketoconazole and the first dose of GRA are administered concomitantly. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone.

Thus, in embodiments of these methods, administration of the ketoconazole and of the GRA comprises concomitant administration of the original dose of ketoconazole and the first dose of the GRA. In embodiments of concomitant administration, ketoconazole and the GRA are administered to the subject simultaneously. Such concomitant administration of a GRA may be by oral administration; by intravenous administration; subcutaneous administration; parenteral administration; intra-arterial administration; nasal administration; topical administration; or by other routes of administration, or combinations thereof.

In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, ketoconazole and the GRA are administered to the patient in a single pill containing both the ketoconazole and the GRA, or are administered in a single liquid formulation containing both the ketoconazole and the GRA. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone.

In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, the first dose of the GRA is a dose selected from about 25 milligrams (mg), about 50 mg, about 100 mg, about 200 mg, about 300 mg, about 400 mg, about 500 mg, about 600 mg, about 900 mg, about 1000 mg, about 1200 mg, about 1500 mg, about 1800 mg, and about 2000 mg. In embodiments, the dose of the GRA is a dose of mifepristone selected from about 300 mg, about 600 mg, about 900 mg, about 1200 mg, and about 1500 mg.

The methods disclosed herein include repeated administration of a GRA to a patient in need of treatment, including repeated concomitant administration of ketoconazole and a GRA.

For example, in yet further embodiments, a second dose of GRA is administered, wherein said second dose is administered after the administration of the first dose of GRA. The second dose of GRA may comprise about the same amount of said GRA as the first dose of the GRA; may comprise a greater amount of said GRA than the first dose of GRA; or may comprise a smaller amount of GRA than the first dose of GRA. In embodiments of these methods, the GRA is mifepristone.

The methods disclosed herein may further comprise: administering a subsequent dose of ketoconazole and a second dose of GRA, wherein said subsequent dose and said second dose are both administered after the administration of the first dose of the GRA. In embodiments, the second dose of GRA comprises about the same amount of the GRA as the first dose of GRA, and the subsequent dose of ketoconazole comprises about the same amount of ketoconazole as the original dose of ketoconazole. In embodiments, the subsequent dose of ketoconazole comprises a lesser amount of ketoconazole than the amount of the original dose of ketoconazole. In embodiments of these methods, the GRA is mifepristone.

In embodiments, the second dose of GRA comprises a greater amount of the GRA than the amount of said first dose of the GRA. In embodiments, the second dose of GRA comprises a greater amount of the GRA than the amount of said first dose of the GRA, and the subsequent dose of ketoconazole comprises about the same amount of ketoconazole as the original dose of ketoconazole. In embodiments of these methods, the GRA is mifepristone.

In embodiments comprising repeated administration of a GRA to a patient in need of treatment, including repeated concomitant administration of ketoconazole and a GRA, ketoconazole and the GRA may be administered simultaneously. In embodiments of such methods, the GRA may be mifepristone.

In embodiments, ketoconazole and a GRA are administered to the patient in a single pill containing both ketoconazole and the GRA, or in a single liquid formulation containing both ketoconazole and the GRA. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone.

Further embodiments of the methods disclosed herein may include further steps, e.g., may comprise administration of a third dose of a GRA, wherein said third dose of the GRA is administered after the administration of the second dose of the GRA. In embodiments, such a third dose of GRA comprises about the same amount of the GRA as the second dose of the GRA. In embodiments, such a third dose of GRA comprises a greater amount of the GRA than the second dose of the GRA. In embodiments, such a third dose of GRA is administered after the administration of the second dose of the GRA. In embodiments, such a third dose of GRA comprises about the same amount of GRA as the amount of said second dose of the GRA. In embodiments, such a third dose of GRA comprises a lesser amount of the GRA than the amount of said second dose of the GRA. In embodiments, such a third dose of GRA comprises a greater amount of the GRA than the amount of said second dose of the GRA. In such embodiments, the GRA may be mifepristone.

In embodiments, methods disclosed herein comprise concomitant administration of ketoconazole and a third dose of GRA. In embodiments of such concomitant administration, ketoconazole and the GRA are administered to the patient simultaneously. In embodiments of such concomitant administration, ketoconazole and the GRA are administered to the patient in a single pill containing both ketoconazole and the GRA, or in a single liquid formulation containing both ketoconazole and the GRA. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone.

Embodiments of the methods disclosed herein comprise treatments for patients suffering from Cushing's syndrome; in embodiments, the Cushing's syndrome patient suffers from Cushing's Disease. Such treatments for Cushing's syndrome comprise concomitant administration of ketoconazole and a GRA to the patient.

In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the methods comprise concomitant treatment of the patient with ketoconazole and with a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA). In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the methods comprise concomitant treatment of the patient with ketoconazole and a GRA, wherein the dose of ketoconazole administered concomitantly with the GRA is not reduced with respect to the ketoconazole dose administered to the patient in the absence of concomitant treatment with ketoconazole and a GRA. In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the methods comprise concomitant treatment of the patient with a GRA and ketoconazole. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone.

Applicant discloses herein methods for treating a Cushing's syndrome patient, the patient receiving an original dose of ketoconazole, said method comprising: administering a first dose of a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA) to the patient, wherein said first GRA dose is administered concomitantly with the dose of SI, whereby the patient is administered both an original dose of ketoconazole and a first dose of a GRA for treating Cushing's syndrome. In embodiments, the patient suffers from Cushing's Disease.

In embodiments, Applicant discloses herein methods for treating a Cushing's syndrome patient, the patient receiving an original dose of ketoconazole, the method comprising: administering a first dose of mifepristone to the patient, wherein the first mifepristone dose is administered concomitantly with the dose of ketoconazole, whereby the patient is administered both an original dose of ketoconazole and a first dose of mifepristone for treating Cushing's syndrome. In embodiments, the patient suffers from Cushing's Disease.

In further embodiments of such methods, wherein said first dose of a GRA comprises a GRA amount that is effective to aid in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome without substantially increasing the level of ketoconazole in the blood of the patient above that level produced by said original dose of ketoconazole, whereby the patient is administered both ketoconazole and an effective dose of a GRA and is not exposed to increased risk of ketoconazole toxicity. In embodiments, administration of ketoconazole and of the GRA comprises concomitant administration of the original dose of ketoconazole and the first dose of the GRA. In embodiments, administering a GRA comprises oral administration of the GRA. In embodiments, ketoconazole and the GRA are administered to the patient simultaneously. In embodiments, ketoconazole and the GRA are administered to the patient in a single pill containing both ketoconazole and the GRA, or in a single liquid formulation containing both ketoconazole and the GRA. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone.

In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, the first dose of the GRA is selected from about 25 mg, about 50 mg, about 100 mg, about 200 mg, about 300 mg, about 400 mg, about 500 mg, about 600 mg, about 900 mg, about 1000 mg, about 1200 mg, about 1500 mg, about 1800 mg, about 2000 mg, about 2100 mg, about 2400 mg, about 2700 mg, and about 3000 mg. In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, the first dose of the GRA is a dose of mifepristone selected from about 1500 mg mifepristone, about 1200 mg mifepristone, about 900 mg mifepristone, about 600 mg mifepristone, and about 300 mg mifepristone.

Further embodiments of the methods disclosed herein comprise administering a second dose of GRA, wherein said second dose is administered after the administration of the first dose of GRA. In embodiments, the second dose of GRA comprises about the same amount of said GRA as the first dose of the GRA. In embodiments, the second dose of GRA comprises a greater amount of said GRA than the first dose of GRA. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone.

Further embodiments of the methods disclosed herein comprise administering a subsequent dose of ketoconazole and a second dose of GRA, wherein the subsequent ketoconazole dose and the second GRA dose are both administered after the administration of the first dose of the GRA. In embodiments, the second dose of GRA comprises about the same amount of the GRA as the first dose of the GRA, and the subsequent dose of ketoconazole comprises about the same amount of ketoconazole as the original dose of ketoconazole. In embodiments, the subsequent dose of ketoconazole comprises a lesser amount of ketoconazole than the amount of the original dose of ketoconazole. In embodiments, the second dose of GRA comprises a greater amount of the GRA than the amount of said first dose of the GRA. In embodiments, the second dose of GRA comprises a greater amount of the GRA than the amount of the first dose of the GRA, and the subsequent dose of ketoconazole comprises about the same amount of ketoconazole as the original dose of ketoconazole. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone.

In embodiments, ketoconazole and the GRA are administered to the patient simultaneously. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone. In embodiments, ketoconazole and the GRA are administered to the patient simultaneously. In embodiments, ketoconazole and mifepristone are administered to the patient simultaneously. In embodiments, ketoconazole and the GRA are administered to the patient in a single pill containing both ketoconazole and the GRA, or in a single liquid formulation containing both ketoconazole and the GRA. In embodiments, ketoconazole and mifepristone are administered to the patient simultaneously. In embodiments, ketoconazole and mifepristone are administered to the patient in a single pill containing both ketoconazole and mifepristone, or in a single liquid formulation containing both ketoconazole and mifepristone. In embodiments, ketoconazole and mifepristone are administered to the patient in a single pill comprising both ketoconazole and mifepristone, or in a single liquid formulation comprising both ketoconazole and mifepristone.

Embodiments of the methods disclosed herein further comprise administration of a third dose of GRA, wherein said third dose of the GRA is administered after the administration of the second dose of the GRA. In embodiments, the third dose of GRA comprises about the same amount of the GRA as the second dose of the GRA. In embodiments, the third dose of GRA comprises a greater amount of the GRA than the second dose of the GRA. In embodiments, the methods further comprise administration of a third dose of GRA, wherein the third dose of the GRA is administered after the administration of the second dose of the GRA. In embodiments, the third dose of GRA comprises about the same amount of GRA as the amount of said second dose of the GRA. In embodiments, the third dose of the GRA comprises a lesser amount of the GRA than the amount of said second dose of the GRA. In embodiments, the third dose of GRA comprises a greater amount of the GRA than the amount of said second dose of the GRA. In embodiments, administration of the third GRA dose comprises concomitant administration ketoconazole and the third dose of GRA. In such embodiments, ketoconazole and the GRA are administered to the patient simultaneously. In embodiments of the methods comprising such third dose of GRA, ketoconazole and the GRA are administered to the patient in a single pill containing both ketoconazole and the GRA, or in a single liquid formulation containing both ketoconazole and the GRA. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone.

Applicant discloses herein methods for treating Cushing's syndrome patients with a GRA (such as mifepristone) and ketoconazole. In embodiments, the patient suffers from Cushing's Disease.

Applicant discloses here methods for treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, said ketoconazole treatment comprising administering an original dose of ketoconazole to said patient, said method comprising: administering said original dose of ketoconazole to said patient; and administering a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA) to the patient, wherein the amount of GRA administered is a first dose of GRA, whereby the patient is administered both ketoconazole and a GRA for treating Cushing's syndrome. In embodiments, the first dose of GRA is a lesser amount of GRA than would be administered in the absence of ketoconazole. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone.

In embodiments of such methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the first dose of GRA comprises an amount of GRA that is effective to aid in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome without substantially increasing the level of ketoconazole in the blood of the patient above that level produced by said original dose of ketoconazole, whereby the patient is administered both ketoconazole and an effective dose of a GRA and is not exposed to increased risk of ketoconazole toxicity. In embodiments, the first dose of GRA is a lesser amount of GRA than would be administered in the absence of ketoconazole. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone.

In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the administration of ketoconazole and of the GRA comprises concomitant administration of the original dose of ketoconazole and the first dose of said GRA.

In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the administration of the GRA comprises oral administration of the GRA. In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the ketoconazole and the GRA are administered to the patient simultaneously. In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the ketoconazole and the GRA are administered to the patient in a single pill containing both ketoconazole and the GRA. In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, ketoconazole and mifepristone are administered in a single liquid formulation comprising ketoconazole and mifepristone.

In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the first dose of the GRA is a dose of GRA selected from about 25 mg, about 50 mg, about 100 mg, about 200 mg, about 300 mg, about 400 mg, about 500 mg, about 600 mg, about 900 mg, about 1000 mg, about 1200 mg, about 1500 mg, about 1800 mg, about 2000 mg, about 2100 mg, about 2400 mg, about 2700 mg, and about 3000 mg. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone, and the first dose of the GRA is a dose of mifepristone selected from about 1500 mg mifepristone, about 1200 mg mifepristone, about 900 mg mifepristone, about 600 mg mifepristone, and about 300 mg mifepristone.

In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the methods further comprise: administering a second dose of GRA, wherein said second dose is administered after the administration of the first dose of said GRA. In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the second dose of GRA comprises about the same amount of said GRA as the first dose of the GRA. In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the second dose of GRA comprises a lesser amount of said GRA than the first dose of GRA. In embodiments, the second dose of GRA is a lesser amount of GRA than would be administered in the absence of ketoconazole. In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the second dose of GRA comprises a greater amount of said GRA than the first dose of GRA. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone.

In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the methods further comprise: administering a subsequent dose of ketoconazole and a second dose of GRA, wherein the subsequent ketoconazole dose and the second GRA dose are both administered after the administration of the first dose of the GRA. In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the second dose of the GRA comprises about the same amount of the GRA as the first dose of the GRA, and the subsequent dose of ketoconazole comprises about the same amount of ketoconazole as the original dose of ketoconazole. In embodiments, the second dose of GRA is a lesser amount of GRA than would be administered in the absence of ketoconazole.

In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the subsequent dose of ketoconazole comprises a lesser amount of ketoconazole than the amount of the original dose of ketoconazole. In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the second dose of the GRA comprises a greater amount of the GRA than the amount of said first dose of the GRA. In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the second dose of the GRA comprises a greater amount of the GRA than the amount of said first dose of the GRA, and said subsequent dose of ketoconazole comprises about the same amount of ketoconazole as the original dose of ketoconazole. In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the ketoconazole and the GRA are administered to the patient simultaneously. In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the ketoconazole and the GRA are administered to the patient in a single pill containing both ketoconazole and the GRA, or in a single liquid formulation comprising ketoconazole and the GRA. In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the GRA is mifepristone, and the ketoconazole and the mifepristone are administered to the patient in a single pill comprising both ketoconazole and mifepristone, or in a single liquid formulation comprising ketoconazole and mifepristone.

In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the methods further comprise: administration of a third dose of the GRA, wherein the third dose of the GRA is administered after the administration of the second dose of the GRA. In embodiments, the third dose of GRA is a lesser amount of GRA than would be administered in the absence of ketoconazole. In such embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the third dose of GRA comprises about the same amount of the GRA as the second dose of the GRA. In such embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the third dose of the GRA comprises a greater amount of the GRA than the second dose of the GRA. In such embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the third dose of the GRA is administered after the administration of the second dose of the GRA. In such embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the third dose of the GRA comprises about the same amount of GRA as the amount of said second dose of the GRA. In such embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the third dose of the GRA comprises a lesser amount of the GRA than the amount of said second dose of the GRA. In such embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the third dose of the GRA comprises a greater amount of the GRA than the amount of said second dose of the GRA. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone.

In such embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the methods comprise concomitant administration of ketoconazole and of the third dose of the GRA. In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the ketoconazole and the GRA are administered to the patient simultaneously. In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the ketoconazole and the GRA are administered to the patient in a single pill containing both ketoconazole and the GRA, or in a single liquid formulation comprising ketoconazole and the GRA. In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the GRA is mifepristone, and the ketoconazole and the mifepristone are administered to the patient in a single pill comprising both ketoconazole and mifepristone, or in a single liquid formulation comprising ketoconazole and mifepristone.

In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the methods comprise concomitant treatment of the patient with mifepristone and ketoconazole. In embodiments of methods of treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, the methods comprise concomitant treatment of the patient with mifepristone and ketoconazole, wherein the dose of ketoconazole administered concomitantly with ketoconazole is not reduced with respect to the ketoconazole dose administered to the patient in the absence of concomitant treatment with ketoconazole and mifepristone.

Applicant discloses herein a method for treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, said ketoconazole treatment comprising administering an original dose of ketoconazole to said patient, said method comprising: administering said original dose of ketoconazole to said patient; and administering mifepristone to the patient, wherein the amount of mifepristone administered is a first dose of mifepristone, whereby the patient is administered both ketoconazole and mifepristone for treating Cushing's syndrome. In embodiments, the first dose of mifepristone is a lesser amount of mifepristone than would be administered in the absence of ketoconazole.

In embodiments of methods for treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment, wherein the ketoconazole treatment comprises administering an original dose of ketoconazole to said patient, the methods comprise administering a first dose of mifepristone that comprises an amount of mifepristone that is effective to aid in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome without substantially increasing the level of ketoconazole in the blood of the patient above that level produced by said original dose of ketoconazole, whereby the patient is administered both ketoconazole and an effective dose of mifepristone and is not exposed to increased risk of ketoconazole toxicity. In embodiments of such methods, the administration of ketoconazole and of mifepristone comprises concomitant administration of the original dose of ketoconazole and of the first dose of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the administration of mifepristone comprises oral administration of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, ketoconazole and mifepristone are administered to the patient simultaneously. In embodiments of such methods, ketoconazole and mifepristone are administered to the patient in a single pill comprising both ketoconazole and mifepristone, or in a single liquid formulation comprising ketoconazole and mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the first dose of mifepristone is a dose of about 300 milligrams (mg), about 600 mg, about 900 mg, about 1200 mg, or about 1500 mg.

In embodiments, such methods further comprise: administering a second dose of mifepristone, wherein said second dose is administered after the administration of the first dose of mifepristone. In embodiments, the second dose of mifepristone is a lesser amount of mifepristone than would be administered in the absence of ketoconazole. In embodiments of such methods, the second dose of mifepristone comprises about the same amount of mifepristone as the first dose of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the second dose of mifepristone comprises a greater amount of mifepristone than the first dose of mifepristone. In embodiments, such methods further comprise administering a subsequent dose of ketoconazole and a second dose of mifepristone, wherein said subsequent dose and said second dose are both administered after the administration of the first dose of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the second dose of mifepristone is a lesser amount of mifepristone than would be administered in the absence of ketoconazole. In embodiments of such methods, the second dose of mifepristone comprises about the same amount of mifepristone as the first dose of mifepristone, and said subsequent dose of ketoconazole comprises about the same amount of ketoconazole as the original dose of ketoconazole. In embodiments of such methods, the subsequent dose of ketoconazole comprises a lesser amount of ketoconazole than the amount of the original dose of ketoconazole. In embodiments of such methods, the second dose of mifepristone comprises a greater amount of mifepristone than the amount of said first dose of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the second dose of mifepristone comprises a greater amount of mifepristone than the amount of said first dose of mifepristone, and said subsequent dose of ketoconazole comprises about the same amount of ketoconazole as the original dose of ketoconazole. In embodiments of such methods, ketoconazole and mifepristone are administered to the patient simultaneously. In embodiments of such methods, ketoconazole and mifepristone are administered to the patient in a single pill comprising both ketoconazole and mifepristone, or in a single liquid formulation comprising ketoconazole and mifepristone.

In embodiments, such methods further comprise administration of a third dose of mifepristone, wherein said third dose of mifepristone is administered after the administration of the second dose of mifepristone. In embodiments, the third dose of mifepristone is a lesser amount of mifepristone than would be administered in the absence of ketoconazole. In embodiments of such methods, the third dose of mifepristone comprises about the same amount of mifepristone as the second dose of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the third dose of mifepristone comprises a greater amount of mifepristone than the second dose of mifepristone. In embodiments, such methods further comprise administration of a third dose of mifepristone, wherein said third dose of mifepristone is administered after the administration of the second dose of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the third dose of mifepristone comprises about the same amount of mifepristone as the amount of said second dose of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the third dose of mifepristone comprises a lesser amount of mifepristone than the amount of said second dose of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the third dose of mifepristone comprises a greater amount of mifepristone than the amount of said second dose of mifepristone. In embodiments, such methods comprise concomitant administration of ketoconazole and of the third dose of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, ketoconazole and mifepristone are administered to the patient simultaneously. In embodiments of such methods, ketoconazole and mifepristone are administered to the patient in a single pill comprising both ketoconazole and mifepristone, or in a single liquid formulation comprising ketoconazole and mifepristone.

In embodiments of methods for treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole treatment at an original dose of ketoconazole, the methods comprise administering a first dose of mifepristone to the subject and reducing the dose of ketoconazole received by the patient to a ketoconazole dose that is less than the original ketoconazole dose, wherein the dose of mifepristone comprises an amount of mifepristone that is effective to aid in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome without substantially increasing the level of ketoconazole in the blood of the patient above that level produced by said original dose of ketoconazole, whereby the patient is administered both ketoconazole and an effective dose of mifepristone and is not exposed to increased risk of ketoconazole toxicity.

Accordingly, Applicant discloses herein a method for treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole at an initial dosage, said initial dosage comprising administering an initial dose of ketoconazole to said patient, said method comprising: administering a reduced dose of ketoconazole to said patient, wherein said reduced dose of ketoconazole is a dose of ketoconazole that is less than said initial dose by an amount of at least about 5% of the initial dose; and administering mifepristone to the patient, wherein the amount of mifepristone administered is a first dose of mifepristone, whereby the patient is administered both the reduced dose of ketoconazole and the first dose of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the first dose of mifepristone comprises an amount of mifepristone that is effective to aid in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome, whereby the patient is administered both a reduced dose of ketoconazole and an effective dose of mifepristone. In embodiments, the first dose of mifepristone is a lesser amount of mifepristone than would be administered in the absence of ketoconazole. In embodiments of such methods, the administration of ketoconazole and of mifepristone comprises concomitant administration of the reduced dose of ketoconazole and the first dose of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the administration of mifepristone comprises oral administration of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the first dose of ketoconazole is less than said initial dose of ketoconazole by an amount that is about 10%, about 15%, about 25%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 60%, about 75%, or about 90% less than the initial dose. In embodiments of such methods, the first dose of mifepristone is a dose selected from about 300 mg, about 600 mg, about 900 mg, about 1200 mg, and about 1500 mg.

In embodiments, such methods further comprise administering a second dose of mifepristone, wherein said second dose is administered at a time after the administration of the first dose of mifepristone. In embodiments, the second dose of mifepristone is a lesser amount of mifepristone than would be administered in the absence of ketoconazole. In embodiments of such methods, the second dose of mifepristone comprises a lesser amount of mifepristone than the first dose of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the second dose of mifepristone comprises about the same amount of mifepristone as the first dose of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the second dose of mifepristone comprises a greater amount of mifepristone than the first dose of mifepristone. In embodiments, such methods further comprise administering a subsequent dose of ketoconazole and a second dose of mifepristone, wherein said subsequent dose and said second dose are both administered at a time after the administration of both the reduced dose of ketoconazole and of the first dose of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the second dose of mifepristone comprises about the same amount of mifepristone as the first dose of mifepristone, and said subsequent dose of ketoconazole comprises about the same amount of ketoconazole as the reduced dose of ketoconazole. In embodiments of such methods, the subsequent dose of ketoconazole comprises a lesser amount of ketoconazole than the amount of said reduced dose of ketoconazole. In embodiments of such methods, the second dose of mifepristone comprises a greater amount of mifepristone than the amount of said first dose of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the second dose of mifepristone comprises a greater amount of mifepristone than the amount of said first dose of mifepristone, and said subsequent dose of ketoconazole comprises about the same amount of ketoconazole as the reduced dose of ketoconazole.

In embodiments, such methods further comprise administration of a third dose of mifepristone, wherein said third dose of mifepristone is administered at a time after the administration of the second dose of mifepristone. In embodiments, the third dose of mifepristone is a lesser amount of mifepristone than would be administered in the absence of ketoconazole. In embodiments of such methods, the third dose of mifepristone comprises a lesser amount of mifepristone than the second dose of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the third dose of mifepristone comprises about the same amount of mifepristone as the second dose of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the third dose of mifepristone comprises a greater amount of mifepristone than the second dose of mifepristone.

In embodiments, such methods further comprise administration of a third dose of mifepristone, wherein said third dose of mifepristone is administered at a time after the administration of the second dose of mifepristone. In embodiments, the third dose of mifepristone is a lesser amount of mifepristone than would be administered in the absence of ketoconazole. In embodiments of such methods, the third dose of mifepristone comprises about the same amount of mifepristone as the amount of said second dose of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the third dose of mifepristone comprises a lesser amount of mifepristone than the amount of said second dose of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the third dose of mifepristone comprises a greater amount of mifepristone than the amount of said second dose of mifepristone. In embodiments, such methods comprise administration of a dose of ketoconazole administered at the time as the administration of the third dose of mifepristone.

Applicant further discloses herein methods for treating a patient who is suffering from Cushing's syndrome with mifepristone, the patient also receiving concomitant administration of ketoconazole, said method comprising: to the patient concomitantly receiving ketoconazole, orally administering a dose of mifepristone that is a smaller dose of mifepristone than the dose that is an effective mifepristone dose when the patient receives only mifepristone. An effective dose of mifepristone when the patient receives only mifepristone for treating Cushing's syndrome is termed a “lone dose” of mifepristone. For example, the dose of mifepristone that is effective for the treatment of a Cushing's syndrome patient not concomitantly receiving ketoconazole or other treatment for Cushing's syndrome is a “lone dose” of mifepristone. In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, for Cushing's syndrome patient receiving concomitant administration of ketoconazole, the dose of mifepristone is reduced by at least about 5% as compared to the lone dose of mifepristone. Accordingly, Applicant discloses herein a method for treating a Cushing's syndrome patient who is receiving ketoconazole, said method comprising: administering a reduced dose of mifepristone to said patient, wherein said reduced dose of mifepristone is a dose of mifepristone that is less than the lone dose of mifepristone as defined herein; whereby the patient is administered both ketoconazole and the reduced dose of mifepristone. In embodiments, such a reduced dose of mifepristone is an amount of mifepristone that is less than the lone dose of mifepristone by an amount that is at least about 5% of the lone dose. In embodiments of such methods, the reduced dose of mifepristone comprises an amount of mifepristone that is effective to aid in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome, whereby the patient is administered both a reduced dose of mifepristone and a dose of ketoconazole. In embodiments of such methods, the administration of ketoconazole and of mifepristone comprises concomitant administration of the reduced dose of mifepristone and the dose of ketoconazole. In embodiments of such methods, the administration of mifepristone comprises oral administration of mifepristone. In embodiments of such methods, the reduced dose of mifepristone is less than said lone dose of mifepristone by an amount that is about 10%, about 15%, about 25%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 60%, about 75%, or about 90% less than the lone dose. In embodiments of such methods, the reduced dose of mifepristone is a daily dose selected from about 900 mg, about 600 mg, about 300 mg, or is a dose of mifepristone selected from about 300 mg mifepristone administered every other day, a dose of about 300 mg mifepristone administered every third day, and a dose of mifepristone of about 300 mg administered every fourth day.

Compositions

Applicant discloses herein compositions comprising a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA) which may be used in the treatment of a patient suffering from excess cortisol, e.g., in a patient suffering from Cushing's syndrome. In embodiments, the compositions comprising a GRA may be provided in an amount effective to control hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism, and may be provided in an amount effective control hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in a patient suffering from endogenous Cushing's disease. In embodiments, the compositions comprising a GRA may be provided in an amount effective to control hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in a patient suffering from endogenous Cushing's disease, where the patient has failed surgery, or is not a candidate for surgery.

Applicant also discloses herein compositions comprising a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA) and ketoconazole. These compositions comprising a GRA and ketoconazole may be used in the treatment of a Cushing's syndrome patient.

The compositions as disclosed herein can be prepared in a wide variety of oral, parenteral and topical dosage forms. Oral preparations include tablets, pills, powder, dragees, capsules, liquids, lozenges, cachets, gels, syrups, slurries, suspensions, etc., suitable for ingestion by the patient. The compositions of the present invention can also be administered by injection, that is, intravenously, intramuscularly, intracutaneously, subcutaneously, intraduodenally, or intraperitoneally. Also, the compositions disclosed herein can be administered by inhalation, for example, intranasally. Additionally, the compositions of the present invention can be administered transdermally. The compositions disclosed herein can also be administered by intraocular, intravaginal, and intrarectal routes including suppositories, insufflation, powders and aerosol formulations (for examples of steroid inhalants, see Rohatagi, J. Clin. Pharmacol. 35:1187-1193, 1995; Tjwa, Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. 75:107-111, 1995).

Accordingly, in embodiments disclosed herein, the compositions include pharmaceutical compositions including a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA), and a SI. SIs include, for example, ketoconazole, levoketoconazole, metyrapone, aminoglutethimide, etomidate, LCI699 (Osilodrostat), and others.

For preparing pharmaceutical compositions from the compounds of the present invention, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers can be either solid or liquid. Solid form preparations include powders, tablets, pills, capsules, cachets, suppositories, and dispersible granules. A solid carrier can be one or more substances, which may also act as diluents, flavoring agents, binders, preservatives, tablet disintegrating agents, or an encapsulating material. Details on techniques for formulation and administration are well described in the scientific and patent literature, see, e.g., the latest edition of Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Co, Easton Pa. (“Remington's”).

In powders, the carrier is a finely divided solid, which is in a mixture with the finely divided active component. In tablets, the active component is mixed with the carrier having the necessary binding properties in suitable proportions and compacted in the shape and size desired. The powders and tablets preferably contain from 5% or 10% to 70% of ketoconazole and/or the GRA.

Suitable solid excipients include, but are not limited to, magnesium carbonate; magnesium stearate; talc; pectin; dextrin; starch; tragacanth; a low melting wax; cocoa butter; carbohydrates; sugars including, but not limited to, lactose, sucrose, mannitol, or sorbitol, starch from corn, wheat, rice, potato, or other plants; cellulose such as methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, or sodium carboxymethylcellulose; and gums including arabic and tragacanth; as well as proteins including, but not limited to, gelatin and collagen. If desired, disintegrating or solubilizing agents may be added, such as the cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, agar, alginic acid, or a salt thereof, such as sodium alginate.

Dragee cores are provided with suitable coatings such as concentrated sugar solutions, which may also contain gum arabic, talc, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carbopol gel, polyethylene glycol, and/or titanium dioxide, lacquer solutions, and suitable organic solvents or solvent mixtures. Dyestuffs or pigments may be added to the tablets or dragee coatings for product identification or to characterize the quantity of active compound (i.e., dosage). Pharmaceutical preparations of the invention can also be used orally using, for example, push-fit capsules made of gelatin, as well as soft, sealed capsules made of gelatin and a coating such as glycerol or sorbitol. Push-fit capsules can contain ketoconazole and/or the GRA mixed with a filler or binders such as lactose or starches, lubricants such as talc or magnesium stearate, and, optionally, stabilizers. In soft capsules, ketoconazole and/or the GRA may be dissolved or suspended in suitable liquids, such as fatty oils, liquid paraffin, or liquid polyethylene glycol with or without stabilizers.

For preparing suppositories, a low melting wax, such as a mixture of fatty acid glycerides or cocoa butter, is first melted and ketoconazole and/or the GRA are dispersed homogeneously therein, as by stirring. The molten homogeneous mixture is then poured into convenient sized molds, allowed to cool, and thereby to solidify.

Liquid form preparations include solutions, suspensions, and emulsions, for example, water or water/propylene glycol solutions. For parenteral injection, liquid preparations can be formulated in solution in aqueous polyethylene glycol solution.

Aqueous solutions suitable for oral use can be prepared by dissolving ketoconazole and/or the GRA in water and adding suitable colorants, flavors, stabilizers, and thickening agents as desired. Aqueous suspensions suitable for oral use can be made by dispersing the finely divided active component in water with viscous material, such as natural or synthetic gums, resins, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, gum tragacanth and gum acacia, and dispersing or wetting agents such as a naturally occurring phosphatide (e.g., lecithin), a condensation product of an alkylene oxide with a fatty acid (e.g., polyoxyethylene stearate), a condensation product of ethylene oxide with a long chain aliphatic alcohol (e.g., heptadecaethylene oxycetanol), a condensation product of ethylene oxide with a partial ester derived from a fatty acid and a hexitol (e.g., polyoxyethylene sorbitol mono-oleate), or a condensation product of ethylene oxide with a partial ester derived from fatty acid and a hexitol anhydride (e.g., polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate). The aqueous suspension can also contain one or more preservatives such as ethyl or n-propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, one or more coloring agents, one or more flavoring agents and one or more sweetening agents, such as sucrose, aspartame or saccharin. Formulations can be adjusted for osmolarity.

Also included are solid form preparations, which are intended to be converted, shortly before use, to liquid form preparations for oral administration. Such liquid forms include solutions, suspensions, and emulsions. These preparations may contain, in addition to the active component, colorants, flavors, stabilizers, buffers, artificial and natural sweeteners, dispersants, thickeners, solubilizing agents, and the like.

Oil suspensions can be formulated by suspending ketoconazole and/or the GRA in a vegetable oil, such as arachis oil, olive oil, sesame oil or coconut oil, or in a mineral oil such as liquid paraffin; or a mixture of these. The oil suspensions can contain a thickening agent, such as beeswax, hard paraffin or cetyl alcohol. Sweetening agents can be added to provide a palatable oral preparation, such as glycerol, sorbitol or sucrose. These formulations can be preserved by the addition of an antioxidant such as ascorbic acid. As an example of an injectable oil vehicle, see Minto, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 281:93-102, 1997. The pharmaceutical formulations of the invention can also be in the form of oil-in-water emulsions. The oily phase can be a vegetable oil or a mineral oil, described above, or a mixture of these. Suitable emulsifying agents include naturally-occurring gums, such as gum acacia and gum tragacanth, naturally occurring phosphatides, such as soybean lecithin, esters or partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, such as sorbitan mono-oleate, and condensation products of these partial esters with ethylene oxide, such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate. The emulsion can also contain sweetening agents and flavoring agents, as in the formulation of syrups and elixirs. Such formulations can also contain a demulcent, a preservative, or a coloring agent.

The compositions of the present invention can also be delivered as microspheres for slow release in the body. For example, microspheres can be formulated for administration via intradermal injection of drug-containing microspheres, which slowly release subcutaneously (see Rao, J. Biomater Sci. Polym. Ed. 7:623-645, 1995; as biodegradable and injectable gel formulations (see, e.g., Gao Pharm. Res. 12:857-863, 1995); or, as microspheres for oral administration (see, e.g., Eyles, J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 49:669-674, 1997). Both transdermal and intradermal routes afford constant delivery for weeks or months.

In another embodiment, the compositions of the present invention can be formulated for parenteral administration, such as intravenous (IV) administration or administration into a body cavity or lumen of an organ. The formulations for administration will commonly comprise a solution of the compositions of the present invention dissolved in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that can be employed are water and Ringer's solution, an isotonic sodium chloride. In addition, sterile fixed oils can conventionally be employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil can be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids such as oleic acid can likewise be used in the preparation of injectables. These solutions are sterile and generally free of undesirable matter. These formulations may be sterilized by conventional, well known sterilization techniques. The formulations may contain pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances as required to approximate physiological conditions such as pH adjusting and buffering agents, toxicity adjusting agents, e.g., sodium acetate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium lactate and the like. The concentration of the compositions of the present invention in these formulations can vary widely, and will be selected primarily based on fluid volumes, viscosities, body weight, and the like, in accordance with the particular mode of administration selected and the patient's needs. For IV administration, the formulation can be a sterile injectable preparation, such as a sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspension. This suspension can be formulated according to the known art using those suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparation can also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a nontoxic parenterally-acceptable diluent or solvent, such as a solution of 1,3-butanediol.

In another embodiment, the formulations of the compositions of the present invention can be delivered by the use of liposomes which fuse with the cellular membrane or are endocytosed, i.e., by employing ligands attached to the liposome, or attached directly to the oligonucleotide, that bind to surface membrane protein receptors of the cell resulting in endocytosis. By using liposomes, particularly where the liposome surface carries ligands specific for target cells, or are otherwise preferentially directed to a specific organ, one can focus the delivery of the compositions of the present invention into the target cells in vivo. (See, e.g., Al-Muhammed, J. Microencapsul. 13:293-306, 1996; Chonn, Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 6:698-708, 1995; Ostro, Am. J. Hosp. Pharm. 46:1576-1587, 1989).

Administration

The compositions disclosed herein can be delivered by any suitable means, including oral, parenteral and topical methods. Transdermal administration methods, by a topical route, can be formulated as applicator sticks, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, gels, creams, ointments, pastes, jellies, paints, powders, and aerosols.

The pharmaceutical preparation is preferably in unit dosage form. In such form the preparation is subdivided into unit doses containing appropriate quantities of the GRA and ketoconazole. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone. The unit dosage form can be a packaged preparation, the package containing discrete quantities of preparation, such as packeted tablets, capsules, and powders in vials or ampoules. Also, the unit dosage form can be a capsule, tablet, cachet, or lozenge itself, or it can be the appropriate number of any of these in packaged form.

The GRA and ketoconazole can be co-administered or administered separately. Concomitant administration includes administering ketoconazole within 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, or 24 hours of the GRA. Concomitant administration also includes administering the GRA and ketoconazole simultaneously, approximately simultaneously (e.g., within about 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 minutes of each other), or sequentially in any order. Moreover, the GRA and ketoconazole can each be administered once a day, or two, three, or more times per day so as to provide the preferred dosage level per day. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone.

In some embodiments, concomitant administration can be accomplished by co-formulation, i.e., preparing a single pharmaceutical composition including both the GRA and ketoconazole. Suitable co-formulations include single pharmaceutical compositions including a GRA, ketoconazole, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. In embodiment, the GRA is mifepristone.

In other embodiments, the GRA and ketoconazole can be formulated separately.

Ketoconazole can be present in any suitable amount, and can depend on various factors including, but not limited to, weight and age of the subject, state of the disease, etc. Suitable dosage ranges for ketoconazole in combination with the GRA, include from about 0.1 mg to about 10,000 mg, or about 1 mg to about 1000 mg, or about 10 mg to about 750 mg, or about 25 mg to about 500 mg, or about 50 mg to about 250 mg. Suitable dosages for ketoconazole in combination with the GRA, include about 1 mg, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 or 1000 mg. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone.

Similarly, the GRA can be present in combination with ketoconazole in any suitable amount. The amount of GRA can depend on various factors including, but not limited to, weight and age of the subject, state of the disease, etc. Suitable dosage ranges for the GRA in combination with the SI, include from about 0.1 mg to about 10,000 mg, or about 1 mg to about 1000 mg, or about 10 mg to about 750 mg, or about 25 mg to about 500 mg, or about 50 mg to about 250 mg. Suitable dosages for the GRA in combination with ketoconazole, include, but are not limited to, about 1 mg, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 or about 1000 mg. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone,

Ketoconazole and the GRA can be present in the compositions of the present invention in any suitable weight ratio, such as from about 1:100 to about 100:1 (w/w), or about 1:50 to about 50:1, or about 1:25 to about 25:1, or about 1:10 to about 10:1, or about 1:5 to about 5:1 (w/w). Ketoconazole and the GRA can be present in any suitable weight ratio, such as about 1:100 (w/w), 1:50, 1:25, 1:10, 1:5, 1:4, 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 10:1, 25:1, 50:1 or 100:1 (w/w). Other dosages and dosage ratios of ketoconazole and the GRA are suitable in the compositions and methods disclosed herein. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone.

The composition can also contain other compatible therapeutic agents. The compounds described herein can be used in combination with one another, or with adjunctive agents that may not be effective alone, but may contribute to the efficacy of the active agent.

Kits

Applicant further provides kits including compositions as disclosed herein. Kits may also include instructions for the use of the compositions.

In embodiments, a kit includes: a pharmaceutical composition containing ketoconazole; and a pharmaceutical composition containing a GRA. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone.

In embodiments, a kit includes: a pharmaceutical composition containing ketoconazole; and a pharmaceutical composition containing a GRA; and instructions for the use (e.g., administration) of the ketoconazole and the GRA. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone, and the instructions include instructions for the administration of mifepristone. In embodiments, the instructions include instructions regarding one or more of the number of pharmaceutical compositions to be taken each day, the timing of such administration, whether or not the pharmaceuticals are to be taken with food or in a fasted state, contraindications, possible side effects, activities to be avoided during treatment with the pharmaceutical compositions (if any), and foods to be avoided during treatment with the pharmaceutical compositions (if any).

In embodiments, a kit includes: a pharmaceutical composition containing ketoconazole and a GRA. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone, and the pharmaceutical composition contains ketoconazole and mifepristone.

In embodiments, a kit includes: a pharmaceutical composition containing ketoconazole and a GRA; and instructions for the use (e.g., administration) of the pharmaceutical composition. In embodiments, the GRA is mifepristone. In embodiments of the kits disclosed herein, the pharmaceutical composition includes ketoconazole and mifepristone, and the instructions include instructions for the administration of the pharmaceutical containing ketoconazole and mifepristone. In embodiments, the instructions include instructions regarding one or more of the number of pharmaceutical compositions to be taken each day, the timing of such administration, whether or not the pharmaceutical composition is to be taken with food or in a fasted state, contraindications, possible side effects, activities to be avoided during treatment with the pharmaceutical composition (if any), and foods to be avoided during treatment with the pharmaceutical composition (if any).

EXAMPLES

The following examples are presented by way of illustration of embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, and serve to illustrate, but not to limit, the present disclosure of methods of treating patients suffering from Cushing's syndrome, including Cushing's Disease; or from prostate cancer and other androgen-sensitive cancers; or from breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or other cancer hormone-sensitive cancer (e.g., cancer sensitive to estrogen or progesterone); and patients suffering from other diseases, disorders, or syndromes.

Example 1

A study was performed in order to determine the effect of oral ketoconazole at a dose of 400 mg once per day (OD) or 200 mg twice per day (BID) on the plasma pharmacokinetics of a 300 mg single dose of mifepristone given to a fasted subject, in comparison to previous study data. This study was an open-label study in healthy male subjects.

Healthy male volunteers between the ages of 18 to 45 years of age with a body mass index (BMI) ranging between 19 and 32 kg/m2 and a weight of at least 60 kg (132 lbs) were enrolled. Subjects had no clinically significant abnormal findings on the physical examination, ECG, blood pressure, heart rate, medical history, or clinical laboratory results during screening. The QTc interval at screening was less than 450 msec.

In cohort 1, six subjects received ketoconazole 400 mg OD for 14 days. The cohort 1 subjects participated in a screening visit to assess eligibility, and in a check-in day during which eligibility was re-confirmed and the first dose of 400 mg oral ketoconazole given at approximately 8 PM (12 hours prior to expected time of Day 1 mifepristone dose).

The morning of Day 1, subjects received 400 mg oral ketoconazole fasted, 0.5 hour prior to receiving the 300 mg single dose of mifepristone fasted. Subjects remained in the clinic on Days 2 and 3 to receive 400 mg OD oral ketoconazole fasted, and for safety evaluation and collection of blood pharmacokinetic (PK) samples. Subjects were discharged from the clinic on Day 4 following administration of 400 mg OD oral ketoconazole fasted, and returned to the clinic the mornings of Days 5 through 13 to receive 400 mg OD oral ketoconazole fasted.

In cohort 2, six subjects received ketoconazole 200 mg BID for 14 days. The 300 mg single dose of mifepristone was given to all subjects on day 1. All 12 subjects completed the study. Cohort 2 subjects participated in a Screening visit to assess eligibility and a check-in Day (Day −1) during which eligibility was re-confirmed. On Day 0, subjects received 200 mg BID oral ketoconazole: the morning dose after an overnight fast and the evening dose 12 hours prior to expected time of Day 1 Mifepristone dose. The morning of Day 1, subjects received 200 mg oral ketoconazole fasted, 0.5 hour prior to receiving the 300 mg single dose of Mifepristone fasted. The evening of Day 1, subjects received 200 mg oral ketoconazole. Subjects remained in the clinic on Days 2, 3 and 4 to receive 200 mg BID oral ketoconazole, and for safety evaluation and collection of blood pharmacokinetic (PK) samples. Subjects were discharged from the clinic on Day 4 following evening administration of 200 mg oral ketoconazole, and returned to the clinic the morning and evening of Days 5 through 13 to receive 200 mg BID oral ketoconazole. Morning doses of ketoconazole on Days 0-13 were administered in the fasted state.

Subjects in both cohorts had blood sampling for determination of plasma concentrations of mifepristone and its metabolites within 30 minutes before mifepristone dosing and at hours 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 (Day 4), 120 (Day 6), 192 (Day 9), 264 (Day 12), and 336 (Day 15) post mifepristone dose. Subjects in both cohorts returned to the study center on Day 15 for safety monitoring, and completion of the Termination Visit procedures, followed by discharge from the study. Safety was assessed by spontaneously reported adverse events, physical examinations, and routine clinical laboratory tests. To the extent possible, any adverse events deemed study drug-related and that were ongoing at the time of discharge from the study were followed-up to resolution or until a determination is made that the unresolved event was stable.

No subject experienced a serious adverse effect (SAE), or an adverse event (AE) that resulted in discontinuation from the study. Three subjects (25%) experienced at least 1 treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE). All TEAEs were mild in intensity. No TEAE was considered by the investigator to be related to mifepristone. One TEAE of insomnia was considered by the investigator to be related to ketoconazole.

Minimal changes in laboratory test results were observed during the course of the study. No laboratory test result was considered by the investigator to be a TEAE. Any abnormal values or shifts from baseline were considered not clinically significant. No clinically significant changes in any electrocardiogram (ECG) parameter were observed.

Pharmacokinetics (PK): Blood samples were drawn within 30 minutes before mifepristone dosing and at hours 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 (Day 4), 120 (Day 6), 192 (Day 9), 264 (Day 12), and 336 (Day 15) post mifepristone dose. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated for plasma concentrations of mifepristone and its metabolites following the single dose at Day 1. Descriptive statistics (count, mean, median, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, and % coefficient of variation) were provided. Mifepristone/metabolite concentrations were listed and summarized. Comparisons with previous study data were made. The mean PK parameters from this study are presented in Table 1 (“MIFE” indicates mifepristone). The abbreviations and symbols used in Table 1 have the following meanings: “Tmax” indicates time to maximum observed plasma concentration; “Tmin” indicates time to minimum observed concentration within the 24 hour dosing interval; “Cmax” indicates maximum observed plasma concentration; “Cmin” indicates minimum observed concentration within the 24 hour dosing interval; “Cavg” indicates average steady-state concentration and is defined as drug input rate (Ro) divided by drug removal rate (CLss) (Cavg=Ro/CLss, where f (the fraction absorbed) cancels out (f is a factor of both Ro and CLss); this equation reduces to Cavg=AUCtau/tau); “AUC0-24” indicates area under the plasma concentration versus time curve from time 0 to 24 hours post-dose, calculated using the linear trapezoidal rule (this is the same as AUCtau where tau is 24 hours or 1 day); “% Fluct” indicates percent fluctuation in drug concentrations at steady-state computed as % Fluct=100×(Cmax−Cmin)/Cavg.

PHARMACOKINETIC (PK) RESULTS: Mifepristone plasma concentrations showed a rapid initial decline followed by a slow decline over time. At later time points, concentrations showed an accelerated decline indicative of non-linear kinetics. Metabolites peaked later relative to parent mifepristone as would be expected. Mifepristone metabolite RU 42633 exposure was similar or even greater than that for mifepristone, while RU 42698 (a mifepristone metabolite) exposure was approximately 0.74 to 0.94 relative to mifepristone and RU 42848 (also a mifepristone metabolite) exposure was 0.53 to 0.68 relative to mifepristone. With increase in time interval, the fraction of AUC relative to mifepristone accounted for by metabolite increased.

Cohort 2 Cmax (where Cmax is the maximum observed plasma concentration) and AUCinf (where AUCinf is the area under the concentration-time curve from time of last dose to infinity) were similar to corresponding parameters in Cohort 1. The geometric mean ratio (GMR) for Cmax was 1.15 and that for AUCinf was 1.05. However, the 90% confidence intervals around the GMR were higher than the standard 80:125 reference interval. Thus, there may be a small increase in mifepristone exposure with a divided ketoconazole dose (200 mg BID vs. 400 mg OD), but this was minor. Terminal half-life was approximately the same in Cohort 2 versus Cohort 1 and Tmax was shorter for Cohort 2 versus Cohort 1.

SAFETY RESULTS: Among 12 subjects who received mifepristone, 3 (25%) experienced at least one treatment emergent adverse event (TEAE). All TEAEs were mild in intensity. No TEAE was considered by the investigator to be related to Mifepristone. One TEAE of insomnia was considered by the investigator to be related to ketoconazole. No subject experienced an SAE or an AE that resulted in discontinuation from the study. Minimal changes in laboratory test results were observed for subjects during the course of the study. No laboratory test result was considered by the investigator to be a TEAE. Any abnormal values or shifts from Baseline values were considered not clinically significant. No clinically significant changes in any ECG parameter were observed.

While PK parameters in Cohort 2 were similar to those in Cohort 1, the 90% confidence intervals around the GMR were higher than the standard 80:125 reference interval used for bioequivalence testing. Thus, there may be a small and minor increase in mifepristone exposure with a divided ketoconazole dose (200 mg BID vs. 400 mg OD). Terminal half-life was approximately the same in Cohort 2 versus Cohort 1 and Tmax was shorter for Cohort 2 versus Cohort 1. Mifepristone 300 mg was safe and well tolerated in healthy volunteers under the following treatment regimens: single-dose fasted with ketoconazole 400 mg OD for 14 days or ketoconazole 200 mg BID for 14 days.

Example 2

The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of a 400 mg single dose of ketoconazole on the PK of an 8-day regimen of 300 mg or 600 mg OD mifepristone given following a moderate fat (34%) breakfast. This was an open-label study in healthy male subjects. In cohort 1, six subjects received mifepristone 300 mg OD for 8 days. In cohort 2, six subjects received mifepristone 600 mg OD for 8 days. The 400 mg single dose of ketoconazole was given to all subjects on day 8. Three subjects discontinued early from the study: one subject in cohort 1 due to new onset sinus bradycardia, and two subjects in cohort 2 due to withdrawn consent.

METHODOLOGY: Twelve subjects were enrolled, six in Cohort 1 and 6 in Cohort 2. Three subjects discontinued early from the study, one subject in Cohort 1 due to an adverse event of sinus bradycardia, and two subjects in Cohort 2 due to withdrawn consent.

Cohort 1: Subjects participated in a Screening visit to assess eligibility, and returned to the clinic on Days 1-6 to receive 300 mg oral mifepristone following a moderate fat breakfast. On Day 7 subjects were admitted to the clinic in the fasted state for a pre-dose PK blood draw, after which they received 300 mg oral mifepristone following a moderate fat breakfast. Subjects had serial blood sampling for determination of mifepristone and its metabolites at hours 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 post Day 7 dose. On Day 8, a pre-dose PK sample was drawn within 30 minutes prior to ketoconazole dosing for determination of plasma concentrations of mifepristone and its metabolites and ketoconazole. Following a moderate fat breakfast on Day 8, subjects received 400 mg ketoconazole 0.5 hours prior to 300 mg mifepristone and had serial blood sampling at hours 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, and 120 post mifepristone dose for determination of plasma concentrations of mifepristone and its metabolites; and at hours 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 post ketoconazole dose for determination of plasma concentrations of ketoconazole. Subjects were discharged on Day 11.

Cohort 2: Subjects participated in a Screening visit to assess eligibility and returned to the clinic on Days 1-6 to receive 600 mg oral mifepristone following a moderate fat breakfast. On Day 7 subjects were admitted to the clinic in the fasted state for a pre-dose PK blood draw, after which they received 600 mg oral mifepristone following a moderate fat breakfast. Subjects had serial blood sampling for determination of mifepristone and its metabolites at hours 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 post Day 7 dose. On Day 8, a pre-dose PK sample was drawn within 30 minutes prior to ketoconazole dosing for determination of plasma concentrations of mifepristone and its metabolites and ketoconazole. Following a moderate fat breakfast on Day 8, subjects received 400 mg ketoconazole 0.5 hours prior to 600 mg mifepristone and had serial blood sampling at hours 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, and 120 post mifepristone dose for determination of plasma concentrations of mifepristone and its metabolites; and at hours 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 post ketoconazole dose for determination of plasma concentrations of ketoconazole. Subjects were discharged on Day 11. Subjects in both cohorts returned to study center on Day 13 for safety monitoring, collection of the 120-hour PK draw, and completion of the Termination Visit procedures, followed by discharge from the study. To the extent possible, any adverse events deemed study drug-related and that were ongoing at the time of discharge from the study were followed-up to resolution or until a determination was made that the unresolved event was stable.

DIAGNOSIS AND MAIN CRITERIA FOR INCLUSION: Healthy male volunteers between the ages of 18 to 45 years of age with a body mass index (BMI) ranging between 19 and 32 kg/m2 and a weight of at least 60 kg (132 lbs) were enrolled. Subjects had no clinically significant abnormal findings on the physical examination, ECG, blood pressure, heart rate, medical history, or clinical laboratory results during screening. The QTc interval at screening was less than 450 msec.

DURATION OF TREATMENT: Up to a total of 28 days, including up to 2 weeks screening, dosing on Days 1-8, safety observation, and PK sample collection through Day 13. For measuring the pharmacokinetics of mifepristone, samples were collected within 30 minutes before Day 7 mifepristone dose and at hours 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 post Day 7 mifepristone dose; within 30 minutes before Day 8 ketoconazole dosing and at hours 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, and 120 post Day 8 mifepristone dose. For measuring the pharmacokinetics of ketoconazole, samples were collected predose on Day 8 (24 hr sample from Day 7), and at hours 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours post ketoconazole dose.

Safety was assessed by spontaneously reported adverse events, physical examinations, and routine clinical laboratory tests. Adverse event data were tabulated. Physical findings and laboratory test results were listed by subject.

SAFETY RESULTS: No subject experienced an SAE. Among twelve subjects who received mifepristone, six subjects (50%) experienced at least 1 TEAE. TEAEs were predominantly mild in intensity. The majority of subjects (5/6) with TEAEs were in Cohort 2 and onset of the majority of TEAEs occurred on or after Day 8 during treatment with both ketoconazole and mifepristone 600 mg. TEAEs considered possibly or probably related to mifepristone administration in four subjects in Cohort 2 were dizziness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and rash. One TEAE of headache was considered by the investigator to be possibly related to both ketoconazole and mifepristone administration. One subject in Cohort 1 with a TEAE of nodal arrhythmia on Day 8 was withdrawn by the investigator. The event was considered mild in severity and not considered related to study medication. The corresponding ECG abnormality noted as “sinus bradycardia” was considered not clinically significant. No subject experienced an SAE.

Minimal changes in laboratory test results were observed for subjects during the course of the study. No laboratory test result was considered by the investigator to be a TEAE. There were no clinically significant changes or abnormalities in vital signs, physical examinations or body weights during the study. Abnormal ECGs occurred in four subjects and no abnormality was considered clinically significant.

STATISTICAL METHODS: Pharmacokinetics (PK): Pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, Ctrough, and interdosing interval AUC were calculated for plasma concentrations of mifepristone and its metabolites following dose on Days 7 and 8. Descriptive statistics (count, mean, median, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, and % coefficient of variation) were provided. mifepristone/metabolite concentrations were listed and summarized. GM means of Cmax and AUC0-24 were compared for Day 8 to Day 7 in this study and also to combined data of 300 mg OD mifepristone in previous multiple dose studies. Additionally, comparisons were made between the PK results of cohort 1 and 2. Pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, T1/2 and total AUC were calculated for plasma concentrations of ketoconazole following the single dose on Day 8. Descriptive statistics (count, mean, median, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, and % coefficient of variation) were provided. Ketoconazole concentrations were listed and summarized. GM means of Cmax and total AUC were compared for the single dose in this study to the combined data of reported 400 mg single doses of ketoconazole of healthy subjects from the literature.

The mean (±SD) age of subjects was 29.4±6.8 years, and the mean BMI at screening was 25.61±3.27 kg/m2. Seven of twelve subjects (58.3%) were White, and 5/12 (41.7%) were Black/African American. Five of the 12 subjects (41.7%) were of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity.

PHARMACOKINETIC (PK) RESULTS: PK data for mifepristone and metabolites was available for eleven of the 12 enrolled subjects and data for ketoconazole PK analyses was available for 10 subjects. Concentrations of mifepristone and each metabolite were above the limits of detection during the entire sampling duration from Day 7 predose to Day 13 (end of study). mifepristone plasma concentrations showed a rapid initial decline followed by a slow decline over time and metabolites peaked later relative to parent mifepristone as expected. Mean RU 42633 and RU 42848 exposure was similar or even greater than that for mifepristone, while RU 42698 exposure was lower. Ketoconazole PK after a single dose on Day 8 was readily computed. Co-administration of ketoconazole increased mifepristone and metabolite exposure. In the presence of 400 mg ketoconazole on Day 8, Cohort 1 mifepristone Cmax and AUC0-24 increased by 20% and 25% relative to the prior Day 7 without ketoconazole. This effect was slightly greater at 600 mg OD mifepristone in Cohort 2, where Cmax and AUC0-24 increased by 39% and 28% between Day 7 and Day 8. A dose of 600 mg OD mifepristone (Cohort 2) resulted in higher mifepristone and metabolite exposure relative to a dose of 300 mg OD (Cohort 1) both alone and in the presence of 400 mg ketoconazole. This increase was less than proportionate to the two-fold dose increment. On Day 7 without ketoconazole, mifepristone Cmax and AUC0-24 at 600 mg OD were 42% and 48% greater than at 300 mg OD. This dose effect was greater in the presence of 400 mg ketoconazole. Day 8 mifepristone Cmax and AUC0-24 were 65% and 52% greater at 600 mg OD than at 300 mg OD. mifepristone half-life on Day 8 in the presence of 400 mg ketoconazole was similar between the two mifepristone dose levels. Day 8 half-life was 13% greater at 600 mg OD than at 300 mg OD. Ketoconazole exposure following a single 400 mg dose on Day 8 of a regimen of 600 mg OD mifepristone was 37% and 36% higher (Cmax and AUCinf) relative to a mifepristone regimen of 300 mg OD. Ketoconazole half-life on either mifepristone regimen was not appreciably different. The addition of a single dose of 400 mg ketoconazole to 300 mg or 600 mg OD mifepristone on Day 8 resulted in exposure increases in Cmax and AUC0-24 that were similar to historical values at 600 mg or 1200 mg OD in the fasted state and 1200 mg OD in the fed state, respectively. Although the increase in exposure due to the addition of ketoconazole was only between 20% and 39% in absolute terms, the resulting exposure was similar to that of a dose 2 to 3 times greater. This is believed to be due to a lack of dose-proportional kinetics for mifepristone.

The mean PK parameters and results from this study are presented in Table 2.

The abbreviations and symbols used in Table 2 have the following meanings:

“Tmax” indicates time to maximum observed plasma concentration; “Tmin” indicates time to minimum observed concentration within the 24 hour dosing interval; “Cmax” indicates maximum observed plasma concentration; “Cmin” indicates minimum observed concentration within the 24 hour dosing interval; “Cavg” indicates average steady-state concentration and is defined as drug input rate (Ro) divided by drug removal rate (CLss) (Cavg=Ro/CLss, where f cancels out; this equation reduces to Cavg=AUCtau/tau); “AUC0-24” indicates area under the plasma concentration versus time curve from time 0 to 24 hours post-dose, calculated using the linear trapezoidal rule (this is the same as AUCtau where tau is 24 hours or 1 day); “% Fluct” indicates percent fluctuation in drug concentrations at steady-state computed as % Fluct=100×(Cmax−Cmin)/Cavg.

Drug-drug interaction (DDI) effects of ketoconazole on mifepristone and of mifepristone on ketoconazole were studied. A single 400 mg dose of ketoconazole caused a detectable increase in mifepristone exposure at mifepristone doses of 300 and 600 mg OD, and mifepristone at these doses caused a detectable increase in ketoconazole exposure. Although the increase in mifepristone exposure due to the addition of ketoconazole was only between 20% and 39% in absolute terms, the resulting exposure was similar to that of a dose 2 to 3 times greater. This is believed to be due to a lack of dose-proportional kinetics for mifepristone. Predominantly mild AEs occurred and were observed primarily in subjects administered ketoconazole and mifepristone 600 mg.

Example 3

A Phase 1, single-center, open-label study was performed to study the effect of oral twice-daily doses of 200 mg of ketoconazole given with multiple oral once-daily doses of 600 mg of mifepristone in healthy male volunteers, during which all drug administrations were given after a typical meal (34% fat content). An objective of this study was to determine the effect of ketoconazole 200 mg twice daily on the PK of mifepristone 600 mg once daily when both drugs were administered with food. A single dose of ketoconazole was administered on Day-1. During multidose administration, mifepristone was administered on Days 1-17 and ketoconazole on Days 13-17; follow-up continued on Days 18-31. Sixteen subjects were enrolled (mean age 31.9 years; 8 black, 6 white, 2 other), and two subjects discontinued before starting the mifepristone/ketoconazole combination treatment.

The study was a two period study design. In Period 1: 600 mg mifepristone was administered once daily from Day 1 to Day 12; pharmacokinetic samples were taken before each dose for assay of mifepristone and active metabolites (mono-demethylated metabolite, RU 42633; hydroxylated metabolite, RU 42698; and di-demethylated metabolite, RU 42848) to confirm that steady-state was achieved, and for a dose-interval concentration-profile on Day 12. In Period 2: 600 mg mifepristone once daily was continued in combination with 200 mg ketoconazole twice daily from Days 13 to 17; pharmacokinetic samples were taken for assay of both mifepristone and metabolites, and ketoconazole before dosing on Days 13 to 17, and on Day 17 for a dose-interval concentration-time profile

A secondary objective was to determine if the effect of 200 mg BID ketoconazole on the PK of co-administered 600 mg OD mifepristone at steady-state exceeded exposure to mifepristone and metabolites compared to that of 1200 mg OD mifepristone with food, the labeled dosing regimen with the highest mean observed exposure in healthy subjects.

Effects of Co-Administration with Ketoconazole on Mifepristone and Metabolites: The concentrations of mifepristone and the hydroxylated metabolite, RU 42698, were higher on Day 17 (600 mg mifepristone daily co-administered with 200 mg ketoconazole twice daily) than on Day 12 (mifepristone alone). Concentrations of RU 42633 and RU 42848 were similar on Day 17 and Day 12. Results of the formal statistical analysis are shown in Table 3.

For mifepristone, the geometric mean ratio of test to reference for C_(max) was 127.59% (90% CI: 116.66, 139.54, where “CI” means “confidence interval” and “90% CI” means “90% confidence interval”) and for AUC₀₋₂₄ was 138.01% (90% CI: 127.12, 149.84). The lower bound of the 90% confidence intervals exceeded 100% and the upper bound exceeded 125%. Thus, co-administration with ketoconazole increased mifepristone exposure. Similarly, for metabolite RU 42698, the lower bounds of the 90% confidence intervals exceeded 100% and both geometric mean ratios and the upper bound of the 90% confidence interval exceeded 125%, and thus exposure to this metabolite was increased by ketoconazole.

For metabolites RU 42848 and RU 42633, the calculated geometric mean ratios and 90% confidence intervals of exposure ratios were within the standard 80:125 comparison interval and thus not affected by ketoconazole.

Effects of Co-administration with mifepristone on Ketoconazole: The plasma concentration-time profiles of ketoconazole given twice daily with mifepristone on Day 17 were much higher than for ketoconazole given as a single dose alone on Day-1. Results of the formal statistical analysis are shown in Table 4.

The geometric mean ratio of test to reference for C_(max) was 252.71% (90% CI: 214.85, 297.26) and for AUC was 365.36% (90% CI: 333.78, 399.93). Thus, the geometric mean ratio and both lower and upper bounds of the 90% confidence intervals were entirely above the standard 80:125 comparison interval and exposure on Day 17 (with mifepristone) was higher than on Day-1 (ketoconazole alone).

Comparison of Mifepristone Exposure with mifepristone Labeled Doses: The concentration-time plots showed that mean mifepristone concentrations on Day 17 in the present study were less than those in the fed condition in a previous “historic” study in which subjects received 1200 mg mifepristone daily for seven days. Mifepristone was administered to the subjects within thirty minutes following a typical meal (34% fat) in both the present study and in the historic study. Results of the formal statistical analysis are shown in Table 5.

For mifepristone, the geometric mean ratio of test to reference for C_(max) was 84.64% (90% CI: 72.92, 98.23); for AUC₀₋₂₄ it was 87.27% (90% CI: 74.72, 101.94). The 90% confidence intervals were below and overlapping the standard 80:125 comparison interval. The mean mifepristone concentrations in subject receiving 600 mg mifepristone following a 34% fat meal were less than the mifepristone concentrations in the historic study. As shown in Table 5, administration of 600 mg mifepristone in the fed state with ketoconazole resulted in mifepristone concentrations that were less than the mifepristone concentrations measured in subjects receiving 1200 mg mifepristone daily in the absence of ketoconazole. The Geometric Mean Ratio (GMR) values in Table 5 suggest that mifepristone 600 mg co-administered with ketoconazole yields mifepristone exposure 13-15% less than that of 1200 mg mifepristone in the absence of ketoconazole; for the metabolites, corresponding values range from an 18-19% decrease to a 17-18% increase. Thus, administration of 600 mg mifepristone daily with ketoconazole resulted in mifepristone concentrations that were not higher than the mean observed exposure at 1200 mg mifepristone; both treatments given following typical 34% fat meal. The value of 87% for GMR of the AUCs suggests that 900 mg mifepristone in the presence of ketoconazole would better match the exposure of a subject to 1200 mg mifepristone alone than would 600 mg mifepristone in the presence of ketoconazole. Thus, these data also support the use of 900 mg mifepristone, and higher doses as well, in the presence of ketoconazole.

For metabolite RU 42633, the 90% confidence intervals were within the standard interval for C_(max) (geometric mean ratio 96.31%) and just overlapping the lower bound of the standard interval for AUC₀₋₂₄ (geometric mean ratio 91.34%). For metabolite RU 42698, confidence intervals for both C_(max) and AUC₀₋₂₄ were overlapping and above the standard interval (geometric mean ratio C_(max): 116.55%; AUC₀₋₂₄: 118.18%). For metabolite RU 42848, the 90% confidence intervals were overlapping and below the standard interval for C_(max) (geometric mean ratio 82.45%) and AUC₀₋₂₄ (ratio 81.43%).

RU 42698 is a relatively minor metabolite and comprises 9% of the total steady-steady AUC₀₋₂₄ of mifepristone, RU42633, RU42698, RU42848 alone and 13% of the total steady-steady AUC₀₋₂₄ in the presence of ketoconazole. Therefore, the increase in RU 42698 AUC₀₋₂₄ in the presence of ketoconazole is considered to be minor.

FIG. 1 illustrates the results of measurements of plasma levels of mifepristone, RU42633, RU42698, and RU 42848. These measurements were made prior to the daily administration of mifepristone to the subject; thus the mifepristone and metabolite concentrations are “trough” concentrations. These results show that trough concentrations of mifepristone and RU42848 were increasing day-by-day through the start of ketoconazole administration (Day 13). This indicates that steady state conditions may not have been attained at the time of ketoconazole administration (which began on day 13).

FIG. 2 shows the plasma concentration profile of mifepristone before and after inhibition of CYP3A by ketoconazole. Applicant notes that the time 0 values (pre-dose) differ by ˜500 ng/ml, a difference that is maintained relatively constant throughout much of the 24-hour sampling interval. Thus, if the daily increase in trough concentrations between days 7 and 12 persevered through day 17, an unknown fraction of the increased AUC (and Cmax) between Day 12 and Day 17 could be due to further mifepristone administration rather than by an effect of ketoconazole alone. Thus, the values reported in Table 3 may overstate the impact of CYP3A inhibition on exposure to mifepristone (and RU42848).

CONCLUSIONS: Co-administration of 600 mg mifepristone once daily with 200 mg ketoconazole twice daily resulted in a mean increase in exposure to mifepristone of approximately 28% (C_(max): geometric mean ratio 127.59% [90% CI: 116.66, 139.54]) and 38% (AUC₀₋₂₄: geometric mean ratio 138.01% [90% CI: 127.12, 149.84]). These exposures are approximately 85% of those observed following the highest labeled dose of mifepristone (1200 mg daily).

The mean increase in exposure to the hydroxylated metabolite, RU 42698 (approximately 70%), was somewhat greater than the increase in exposure to parent, resulting in exposure that was approximately 15 to 20% higher than that following the highest labeled dose of mifepristone. In contrast, co-administration with ketoconazole resulted in little change in exposure to the mono-demethylated metabolite, RU 42633, or di-demethylated metabolite, RU 42848; exposure to these metabolites was similar to or slightly lower than exposure following the highest labeled dose.

The results presented in this example indicate that, with inhibition of CYP3A (e.g., by co-administration of a strong CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole), a subject administered 900 mg mifepristone daily would experience corresponding increases in mifepristone Cmax and AUC of 27.59% and of 38.01%, respectively, which should yield systemic exposures similar in magnitude to those previously attained with 1200 mg daily. Thus, the results of these measurements indicate that a subject, previously receiving a dose of 1200 mg mifepristone daily, may be safely administered a dose of 900 mg mifepristone daily when a strong CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole is added to the regimen. Similarly, the results of these measurements indicate that a subject, previously receiving a dose of 900 mg mifepristone daily, may be safely administered a dose of 600 mg mifepristone daily when a strong CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole is added to the regimen. In addition, the results of these measurements indicate that a subject, previously receiving a dose of 600 mg mifepristone daily, may be safely administered a dose of 300 mg mifepristone daily when a strong CYP3A inhibitor such as ketoconazole is added to the regimen.

No deaths or SAEs were reported during the study. Two subjects discontinued due to AEs (moderate hypertension in one subject and moderate bilateral rash on the upper arms and thighs in the other subject, both during the mifepristone-only treatment period). At least one TEAE was reported in 55.6% (9 of 16) of the subjects during treatment with mifepristone alone, in 57.1% (8 of 14) of the subjects during the mifepristone/ketoconazole treatment period, and in 7.1% (1 of 14) of the subjects during the washout period.

The majority of TEAEs were mild. Four subjects reported moderate TEAEs: three subjects during treatment with mifepristone alone (1 each reporting hypertension, rash, and vomiting) and 1 subject during treatment with mifepristone/ketoconazole (headache). All four moderate AEs were considered possibly or probably related to mifepristone treatment. Only 1 of the moderate AEs was considered to be possibly related to ketoconazole treatment. No severe TEAEs were reported.

Three subjects had elevated laboratory test results that were reported as drug-related TEAEs. Mildly elevated liver enzymes were noted for one subject starting on the morning of Day 14, and mildly elevated creatinine levels were noted for two subjects starting on the morning of Day 14. Dosing was not interrupted for any of the subjects, and the events resolved without sequelae.

No clinically significant effects of multiple-dose mifepristone treatment with or without multiple-dose ketoconazole treatment were observed on hematology or urinalysis parameters, vital signs, or ECGs.

Example 4

The treatment regimen of a patient suffering from excess cortisol, who is receiving treatment with mifepristone at a daily dose of 1200 mg mifepristone, is altered to include concomitant administration of an effective amount of ketoconazole and a reduced daily dose of mifepristone, where the reduced daily dose of mifepristone is 900 mg, so that the patient receives concomitant administration of ketoconazole and mifepristone. A measurement indicates that the liver function of the patient is not significantly compromised by the concomitant administration of ketoconazole and the reduced dose of mifepristone.

Example 5

The treatment regimen of a patient suffering from excess cortisol, who is receiving treatment with mifepristone at a daily dose of 900 mg mifepristone, is altered to include concomitant administration of an effective amount of ketoconazole and a reduced daily dose of mifepristone, where the reduced daily dose of mifepristone is 600 mg, so that the patient receives concomitant administration of ketoconazole and mifepristone. A measurement indicates that the liver function of the patient is not significantly compromised by the concomitant administration of ketoconazole and the reduced dose of mifepristone.

Example 6

The treatment regimen of a patient suffering from excess cortisol, who is receiving treatment with mifepristone at a daily dose of 600 mg mifepristone, is altered to include concomitant administration of an effective amount of ketoconazole and a reduced daily dose of mifepristone, where the reduced daily dose of mifepristone is 300 mg, so that the patient receives concomitant administration of ketoconazole and mifepristone. A measurement indicates that the liver function of the patient is not significantly compromised by the concomitant administration of ketoconazole and the reduced dose of mifepristone.

Example 7

The treatment regimen of a patient suffering from excess cortisol, who is receiving treatment with mifepristone at a daily dose of 1500 mg mifepristone, is altered to include concomitant administration of an effective amount of ketoconazole and a reduced daily dose of mifepristone, where the reduced daily dose of mifepristone is 1200 mg, so that the patient receives concomitant administration of ketoconazole and mifepristone. A measurement indicates that the liver function of the patient is not significantly compromised by the concomitant administration of ketoconazole and the reduced dose of mifepristone.

All patents, patent applications, and publications identified herein are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

TABLE 1 Product No. Subjects ID/ Enter/ Age: Treatments Batch No. Study Complete Mean Interacting (NME) Objective Study Design (M/F) Range Substrate Drug Mifepristone Effect of Phase 1, open- 12/12 28 MIFE 400 mg/d 300 mg ketoconazole 400 label, parallel (12 M) 20-44 300 mg Keto Tablet mg OD (or 200 mg group, single C1 400 mg BID) on PK of 300 MIFE dose, OD Keto 200 mg single dose multiple keto MIFE 400 mg/d mg Tablet Mifepristone doses, in 300 mg Keto given fasted healthy C2 200 mg subjects BID Product MIFEPRISTONE Mean PK Parameters (SD) Mean Ratio ID/ AUC_(tot) AUC_(t) Confidence Interval Batch No. C_(max) T_(max) ng · h/ ng · h/ T_(1/2) C_(max) AUC_(total) (NME) ng/mL h mL mL h ng/mL ng · h/mL Mifepristone 3398 median 116939 38111 37.1 1.15 1.05 300 mg (6.77) 2.00 (26850) (8768) (9.77) 0.81-1.63 0.72-1.54 Tablet (C2/C1) (C2/C1) Keto 200 4143 median 130925 40625 37.4 mg Tablet (1736) 1.00 (60942) (16524) (18.5) MIFE = mifepristone, Keto = ketoconazole, AUC_(tot) = AUC_(total,) AUC_(τ) = AUC₀₋₂₄ hours following single dose of MIFE C1 = Cohort 1, C2 = Cohort 2

TABLE 2 Product # Subjects ID/ Enter/ Age: Treatments Batch # Study Study Complete Mean Interacting (NME) Objective Design (M/F) Range Substrate Drug Mifepristone Effect of 400 mg Phase 1, 12/10 29.8 MIFE 300 mg single dose of open-label, (12 M) 20-43 300 mg/d Tablet ketoconazole on parallel C1 Day 7 Keto 200 mg PK an 8 day group, MIFE 400 mg Tablet regimen of 300 crossover 300 mg/d Keto single mg OD within C1 Day 8 dose Mifepristone (or group with MIFE 600 mg OD multiple 600 mg/d Mifepristone) MIFE doses, C2 Day 7 given with and single MIFE 400 mg moderate fat keto dose, 600 mg/d Keto single (34%) breakfast in healthy C2 Day 8 dose subjects Product MIFEPRISTONE Mean PK Parameters (SD) Mean Ratio ID/ AUC_(tot) AUC_(t) Confidence Interval Batch # C_(max) T_(max) ng · h/ ng · h/ T_(1/2) C_(max) AUC_(t) (NME) ng/mL h mL mL h ng/mL ng · h/mL Mifepristone 2700 median NC^(a) 37734 1.19 1.25 300 mg (534) 3.0 (11905) 0.93-1.53 0.88-1.76 Tablet C1 Day 8/ C1 Day 8/ Day 7 Day 7 Keto 200 mg 3240 median NC^(a) 47357 84.9 1.39 1.28 Tablet (760) 2.1 (17239) (46.6) 1.13-1.70 1.09-1.49 C2 Day 8/ C2 Day 8/ Day 7 Day 7 3818 median NC^(a) 54174 1.42 1.48 (703) 4.0 (7305) 1.13-1.78 1.13-1.94 Day 7 Day 7 C2/C1 C2/C1 5264 median NC^(a) 69112 96.2 1.65 1.52 (795) 4.0 (9077) (45.4) 1.30-2.08 1.14-2.02 Day 8 Day 8 C2/C1 C2/C1 MIFE = mifepristone, Keto = ketoconazole C1 = Cohort 1, C2 = Cohort 2 AUC_(τ) = AUC0-24 hours following Day 7 or Day 8 dose of MIFE ^(a)AUC_(tot) = AUC_(total,) not computed (NC) for multiple dosing

Effects of Co-Administration with Ketoconazole on Mifepristone and Metabolites Test: Day 17-600 mg Mifepristone OD+200 mg Ketoconazole BID Reference: Day 12-600 mg Mifepristone OD

TABLE 3 Ratio % Lower Analyte Parameter N Test/Reference 90% CI Upper 90% CI Mifepristone C_(max) 13 127.59 116.66 139.54 AUC₀₋₂₄ 13 138.01 127.12 149.84 RU 42633 C_(max) 13 105.73 95.92 116.54 AUC₀₋₂₄ 13 102.33 94.31 111.03 RU 42698 C_(max) 13 169.13 156.36 182.94 AUC₀₋₂₄ 13 166.86 155.06 179.57 RU 42848 C_(max) 13 95.48 90.82 100.38 AUC₀₋₂₄ 13 94.88 91.33 98.56

Effects of Co-Administration with Mifepristone on Ketoconazole Test: Day 17-600 mg Mifepristone OD+200 mg Ketoconazole BID Reference: Day −1-200 mg Ketoconazole Single Dose

TABLE 4 Ratio % Lower Upper Parameter N Test/Reference 90% CI 90% CI C_(max) 14 252.71 214.85 297.26 AUC 14 365.36 333.78 399.93

Cross-study Comparison of Exposure to Mifepristone and Metabolites Test: Present Study Day 17-600 mg Mifepristone OD+200 mg Ketoconazole BID Reference: Historic Study Day 7-1200 mg Mifepristone OD Alone

TABLE 5 Ratio % Analyte Parameter Test/Ref Lower 90% CI Upper 90% CI Mifepristone C_(max) 84.64 72.92 98.23 AUC₀₋₂₄ 87.27 74.72 101.94 RU 42633 C_(max) 96.31 80.83 114.75 AUC₀₋₂₄ 91.34 76.95 108.43 RU 42698 C_(max) 116.55 97.47 139.38 AUC₀₋₂₄ 118.18 97.90 142.66 RU 42848 C_(max) 82.45 70.31 96.70 AUC₀₋₂₄ 81.43 69.71 95.11 All doses given within 30 minutes after typical (34%) fat meal 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of treating Cushing's syndrome in a patient who is taking an original once-daily dose of 1200 mg or 900 mg per day of mifepristone, comprising the steps of: reducing the original once-daily dose to an adjusted once-daily dose of 600 mg mifepristone, administering the adjusted once-daily dose of 600 mg mifepristone and a strong CYP3A inhibitor to the patient, wherein said strong CYP3A inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ketoconazole, itraconazole, nefazodone, ritonavir, nelfmavir, indinavir, boceprevir, clarithromycin, conivaptan, lopinavir, posaconazole, saquinavir, telaprevir, cobicistat, troleandomycin, tipranivir, paritaprevir and voriconazole.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said CYP3A inhibitor is ketoconazole.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said CYP3A inhibitor is itraconazole.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said CYP3A inhibitor is clarithromycin.
 5. A method of treating symptoms associated with elevated cortisol levels in a patient who is taking an original once-daily dose of 1200 mg or 900 mg per day of mifepristone, comprising the steps of: reducing the original once-daily dose to an adjusted once-daily dose of 600 mg mifepristone, administering the adjusted once-daily dose of 600 mg mifepristone and a strong CYP3A inhibitor to the patient, wherein said strong CYP3A inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ketoconazole, itraconazole, nefazodone, ritonavir, nelfmavir, indinavir, boceprevir, clarithromycin, conivaptan, lopinavir, posaconazole, saquinavir, telaprevir, cobicistat, troleandomycin, tipranivir, paritaprevir and voriconazole.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said CYP3A inhibitor is itraconazole.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein said CYP3A inhibitor is ketoconazole.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein said CYP3A inhibitor is clarithromycin.
 9. The method of claim 5, wherein said CYP3A inhibitor is itraconazole.
 10. A method of controlling hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in a patient with endogenous Cushing's syndrome who is taking an original once-daily dose of 1200 mg or 900 mg per day of mifepristone, comprising the steps of: reducing the original once-daily dose to an adjusted once-daily dose of 600 mg mifepristone, administering the adjusted once-daily dose of 600 mg mifepristone and a strong CYP3A inhibitor to the patient, wherein said strong CYP3A inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ketoconazole, itraconazole, nefazodone, ritonavir, nelfmavir, indinavir, boceprevir, clarithromycin, conivaptan, lopinavir, posaconazole, saquinavir, telaprevir, cobicistat, troleandomycin, tipranivir, paritaprevir and voriconazole.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein said CYP3A inhibitor is ketoconazole.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein said CYP3A inhibitor is itraconazole.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein said CYP3A inhibitor is clarithromycin. 